EAST LANSING, Mich. — The City of East Lansing is pleased to announce that it has once again been awarded gold certification in the Michigan Green Communities annual sustainability challenge.
Michigan Green Communities (MGC) was founded in 2009 to serve as a statewide benchmarking, networking and technical assistance program. It is offered to communities throughout the state at no cost. MGC 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 Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association.
The City of East Lansing was one of 25 communities statewide that earned gold certification in the MGC challenge for actions taken in 2022 related to energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling, environmental justice and more.
“The City of East Lansing is honored to be recognized with this award by Michigan Green Communities and proud of the work we have done to have earned their recognition,” said East Lansing Interim City Manager Randy Talifarro.
Communities that score silver or gold in the challenge are eligible to participate in the Catalyst Leadership Circle Fellowship program based at the University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute and supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Participating communities are eligible to host a graduate-level fellow to assist with their local government sustainability initiatives.
Last year, East Lansing hosted Catalyst Leadership Circle Fellow Pradip Shrestha who worked with City staff to develop an impervious surface inventory to assist in stormwater management and green infrastructure planning. This summer’s fellow will explore building electrification and sustainable heating/cooling options for municipal facilities. Fellowships last 10 weeks, with fellows receiving a stipend. The primary goal of the program is to assist leading communities in their efforts, while creating solutions that can be replicated in other communities around the state.
To learn more about MGC visit https://migreencommunities.com.