Oakland County Rises from Silver to Gold in Environmental Leadership
- Oakland County achieved gold status for exemplary action in the Michigan Green Communities program.
- The Oakland SAVES Grant Program committed more than $5 million in grants for energy-efficient upgrades to more than 1,050 homes.
- The county has planted hundreds of trees on campus and reduced fleet fuel consumption.
Pontiac, Mich., May 22, 2024 – Oakland County has risen from silver to gold certification for its environmental leadership from the statewide Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program.
“Through innovative initiatives like Oakland SAVES and our concerted efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, Oakland County is moving toward a greener, more sustainable future,” County Executive Dave Coulter said.
As part of the annual MGC Challenge, local governments can win bronze, silver, gold or platinum seals of achievement in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling, and environmental justice. At the 2023 MGC Challenge, seven communities received bronze certification, 20 received silver certification, and 36 received gold certification.
The county earned gold by reaching sustainability goals in the following categories:
- Planning for inclusive and lasting impacts
- Climate resilience and adaptation
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy
- Responsibly managing materials
- Sustainable land use and economic development
- Improving health outcomes
- Protecting and conserving water resources
- Supporting clean and inclusive mobility
- Inspiring and mobilizing residents
“Oakland County’s elevation to gold certification in multiple environmental categories underscores our relentless pursuit of sustainability, resilience, and community well-being,” Chief Sustainability Officer Erin Quetell said.
Environmental sustainability is one of the 8 Strategic Goals that guides Oakland County. In 2023, the Oakland County Office of Sustainability with Michigan Saves invested $5 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to create the grant program, Oakland SAVES (Simple Actions for Valuable Energy Savings). The program helped more than 1,050 households receive approval for energy- and money-saving home improvements, including attic insulation and ENERGY STAR furnaces. On the Oakland County campus, the Office of Sustainability and the Department of Facilities, Maintenance & Operations decreased its fleet’s fuel consumption, added electric and hybrid vehicles, and planted nearly 500 trees — all to reduce carbon emissions.
The MGC program is free to all local governments in Michigan. MGC is a sustainability networking, benchmarking and technical assistance program. It guides and supports communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for Michigan.
Michigan Green Communities is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Department of Transportation; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association. More details about this program can be found at migreencommunities.com.