This page is designed to be a resource page that lists voluntary programs, initiatives and ideas to become a Green Municipality in Southwest Michigan.
Transportation Projects and the Environment
The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) published a guidance document designed to promote good planning practices and endorse consideration and integration of environmental issues into transportation projects.
Filling the Gaps
How we use our land is the foundation of environmental quality. Statewide there are more than 1800 units of local government that have the authority to make land use decisions. FILLING THE GAPS was created to equip local officials with important information to consider when making local land use plans, adopting new environmentally focused regulations, or reviewing proposed development.
The Natural Step
Since 1988, The Natural Step has worked to accelerate global sustainability by guiding companies, communities and governments onto an ecologically, socially and economically sustainable path. More than 70 people in eleven countries work with an international network of sustainability experts, scientists, universities and businesses to create solutions, innovative models and tools that will lead the transition to a sustainable future.
Clean Energy Environment: State and Local Program
States and localities are developing initiatives aimed at providing an increasingly clean, renewable, and efficient supply of energy; supporting the development and deployment of emerging technologies; and achieving energy cost savings through greater end-use efficiency in residential and commercial buildings, municipal facilities, and transportation.
www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/stateandlocal
Municipal Green Building Policies: Strategies for Transforming Building Practices in the Private Sector
The Environmental Law Institute has published a new report, titled Municipal Green Building Policies: Strategies for Transforming Building Practices in the Private Sector. The report reviews more than 30 municipal policies that aim to advance green building in the private sector by (1) establishing mandatory green building criteria; (2) providing expedited review as an incentive for green building; or (3) offering other direct financial incentives for green building, including grants, fee waivers, tax breaks and bonus development.
http://www.elistore.org/reports_detail.asp?ID=11295
ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainablility
Is an international association of local governments and national and regional local government organizations that have made a commitment to sustainable development. More than 815 cities, towns, counties, and their associations worldwide comprise ICLEI's growing membership. ICLEI works with these and hundreds of other local governments through international performance-based, results-oriented campaigns and programs.
http://www.iclei.org/
Energy Star
The ENERGY STAR Challenge is a national call-to-action to improve the energy efficiency of America's commercial and industrial buildings by 10 percent or more. We can all do our part - Take the ENERGY STAR Challenge and use the free Challenge Toolkit to help build a better world.
www.energystar.gov/challenge
EPA Green Power Partnership
In buying green power, your organization can receive valuable recognition and help protect the environment. Green power can be one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the environmental impacts associated with your organization's conventional electricity use. By partnering with EPA, you can also receive technical support in identifying green power products that meet your organization's needs and goals. Become a partner today!
http://epa.gov/greenpower/
WasteWise Program
WasteWise is a free, voluntary, EPA program through which organizations eliminate costly municipal solid waste and select industrial wastes, benefiting their bottom line and the environment. WasteWise is a flexible program that allows partners to design their own waste reduction programs tailored to their needs. All organizations within the United States may join the program. Large and small businesses from any industry sector are welcome to participate. Institutions, such as hospitals and universities, non-profits, and other organizations, as well as state, local, and tribal governments, are also eligible to participate in WasteWise. www.epa.gov/wastewise
Heat Island Effect
For millions of Americans living in and around cities, heat islands are of growing concern. This phenomenon describes urban and suburban temperatures that are 2 to 10°F (1 to 6°C) hotter than nearby rural areas. Elevated temperatures can impact communities by increasing peak energy demand, air conditioning costs, air pollution levels, and heat-related illness and mortality. Fortunately, there are common-sense measures that communities can take to reduce the negative effects of heat islands.
www.epa.gov/heatisland
Cool Cities
All over America, communities are taking action to help solve global warming. From hybrid vehicle fleets in Charlotte, to green buildings in Austin, and homes powered with renewable energy in Seattle, local governments are moving forward with innovative energy solutions that curb global warming, save taxpayer dollars, and create healthier cities. These local leaders are moving America toward a safer and more secure future.
http://coolcities.us/
Water Sense
WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Enviornmental Protection Agency, makes it wasy for Americans to save water and protect the environment. www.epa.gov/watersense
