Sustainability Stories
Welcome!
From electrification and solar to planting trees and rain gardens, members of the Ann Arbor community are getting involved in sustainability at home, at work, and in their everyday lives. To celebrate their actions and inspire others, we've compiled some stories - both written and recorded - from these community members. You'll find these stories below, grouped by topic. So, whether you're looking for inspiration or information, we invite you to explore these first-hand accounts of sustainability in action. If you have a story of your own you would like to share, please email sustainability@a2gov.org, with the subject line: "Sustainability Story"!
A2ZERO: A Vision
Watch this short video to hear from Ann Arborites on their vision of Ann Arbor's future under our A2ZERO Carbon Neutrality Plan.
Solar Stories
On the first Thursday of each month, the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association hosts Ann Arbor Solar Stories, a one-hour virtual event highlighting residents who have gone solar. To hear their stories and learn more about solar, you can visit the Ann Arbor Solar Stories YouTube channel. Or, attend a Solar Stories event live and bring your questions! These events take place virtually at 7:00pm the first Thursday of each month. Register with the GLREA for "Thursday Night Energy Events" to receive meeting links.
Solar Panels: First-Hand
Interested in getting solar, but not sure what to expect? Check out "Let Me Tell You about My Solar Panels," a blog post from Ann Arborite George Hotelling. George walks through the financial aspects of getting solar, his experience with the Solarize program, how his solar panels work, and more.
Batteries and Blackouts
Given increases in the number of severe weather events in Michigan and world-wide, building resiliency into our sources of energy is becoming more important than ever. In "Powering through Blackouts with Solar and a Battery," Ann Arborite Dharma Akmon explores using a back-up battery system and a solar array during power outages. Akmon also explores the benefits of energy-efficient appliances.
Plant-Based Diets
Eating a plant-based diet has numerous health benefits, both for you and for the environment. To hear from members of the community who have tried plant-based diets, we invite you to watch this seminar hosted by the Office of Sustainability and Innovations. Plus, you'll see a cooking demonstration for a delicious and nutritious plant-based meal!
Ambassador Accounts
Through our A2ZERO Ambassadors program, the Office of Sustainability and Innovations trains community members on sustainability topics, giving them the tools they need to discuss reaching carbon neutrality goals. Check back soon for some first-hand accounts from our A2ZERO Ambassadors on the work they're doing to advance sustainability in Ann Arbor!