A2ZERO

Jenn Cornell Queen (D-Ward 5) has announced her run for Ann Arbor City Council.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor has adopted a new law imposing energy and water use reporting requirements for large buildings as part of the city’s A2Zero carbon-neutrality initiative. Annual utility data for buildings over 20,000 square feet, including commercial buildings, condo buildings and apartment buildings, must be disclosed to the city under the ordinance City Council unanimously OK’d this week.

Drivers will run into congestion on Friday as the 20th annual Mayor’s Green Fair closes three streets.

The city's Green Fair will take over Main Street on Friday evening.

ANN ARBOR, MI — A city program to encourage Ann Arborites to go solar hit a major milestone recently. “As of today, through the city’s Solarize Program, which helps residents install solar infrastructure on their homes, we have helped to install 2 megawatts of local solar infrastructure, which has helped to save Ann Arbor residents $925,000 in energy costs,” Fournier told council. The city program promoting the environmental and cost-saving benefits of solar energy is coordinated by Julie Roth of the city’s sustainability office. The 2-megawatt milestone was reached in under two years on 285 homes in and around Ann Arbor, Roth said. That was back when the city was raising residents’ property taxes for going solar, which it no longer does following state-level changes to tax laws.

ANN ARBOR, MI — In its quest to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change, Ann Arbor is hoping to convince residents to get rid of gas-powered furnaces. The sustainability office hosted a workshop on air-source heat pumps at the Ann Arbor Distilling Co. Wednesday, Sept. 22, with dozens of residents in attendance or watching virtually. That’s also what an air-source heat pump does to heat a home, except it’s removing heat from outside air and bringing it inside, he said. To heat a whole house in the winter in Michigan, homeowners should install a cold-climate air-source heat pump, Schaefer said. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor aims to lead by example while promoting sustainable, plant-based dietsAnn Arbor residents tell city to ‘implement a better system’ for flooding2 candidates hoping to lead Ann Arbor city hall discuss diversity, police oversightAnn Arbor dogs can be labeled dangerous if they ‘provoke’ others under new lawA sorted affair: How Michigan Stadium waste gets recycled after a home game

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor voters won’t see a 20-year tax to fight climate change on the November ballot. Here in Ann Arbor, that means implementing the A2Zero plan,” he said, referring to the city’s ambitious plan to make the entire community carbon-neutral and powered by 100% renewable energy by 2030. Taylor first announced his plans for a 1-mill climate-action tax at a City Council meeting in July. A 1-mill tax for climate action could raise a similar amount of money to advance the city’s A2Zero goals. “I am mindful of that need and believe this is the best way to achieve that goal.”MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor homeowners use solar backup batteries to weather power outagesAs Ann Arbor eyes move away from gas, DTE Energy investing billions in itDTE Energy hopes Ann Arbor nixes idea of creating its own electric utilityWashtenaw County residents can get free trees at upcoming giveaway eventMain Street lane reconfiguration part of Ann Arbor Healthy Streets program

ANN ARBOR, MI-- Judges have decided on finalists, but now its up to the public to decide which student made the best “Saving Energy” sticker. Ann Arbor K-12 students submitted design entries for stickers focusing on saving energy. The contest entries are divided into three categories: Elementary, middle school and high school students. The winner in each category will get a $200 prize and be featured at future A2Zero events and at the 2022 Ann Arbor District Library Summer Game. READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor now asking voters to decide 4 ballot proposals in NovemberCity administrator resigns, UM mandates COVID vaccinations: Ann Arbor headlines July 31-Aug. 5Blue Angels, Thunderbirds flying together at Thunder Over MichiganAnn Arbor council member’s use and defense of n-word sends a chilling message, Black residents say‘It’s wrong and harmful.’ Ann Arbor to ban gay conversion therapy for minors

More than 20 family-friendly in-person and virtual events are scheduled from June 1-6 to commemorate the event, highlight sustainability and educate the community.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Ann Arbor’s A2Zero community-wide carbon neutrality plan is reaching its first year anniversary, and the city plans to celebrate. Register here7 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Launch of Ann Arbor Solar Stories - Listen to stories of neighbors who have installed solar panels and ask questions. Register hereFriday, June 4Noon - 1 p.m. | Reflecting on A2ZERO Week Meditation Session with Mindful City Ann Arbor - Reflect on the events of A2ZERO week with an hour-long meditation session and explore how participants can continue the momentum built during these events. 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. | A2ZERO Drink Unveiling at Ann Arbor Distilling Company - Stop by the Ann Arbor Distilling Company at 220 Felch St., Ann Arbor, and enjoy an Eezy Treezy, the new A2ZERO-branded drink. Read more:Ann Arbor’s Literati Bookstore is reopening after 14-month closure‘A2GO’ autonomous vehicle shuttle service coming to Ann Arbor in OctoberAnn Arbor’s new Equitable Engagement Steering Committee looking for members

From April 30 to May 2, the City of Ann Arbor is giving away free trees to residents to plant on private property during several Arbor Day weekend giveaways.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Starting this week, Ann Arbor will be distributing over 200 energy efficiency kits to homebound residents. As Ann Arbor continues to work towards carbon neutrality by 2030 with their A2Zero plan, the city has partnered up with Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels at Michigan Medicine and DTE Energy to distribute home energy efficiency kits to around 260 homebound residents that are served by AAMOW, officials said. “The city is delighted to partner with Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels and DTE to bring these energy and water-saving devices to our community,” said Stults. “Aging in place is a significant area of focus for Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels. Read more:Trash talk: Climate change has Ann Arbor officials exploring reduced garbage pickupStudent advocacy ‘driving force’ behind University of Michigan discontinuing fossil fuel investmentsSolar panel permits triple in Ann Arbor under new program

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Ann Arbor’s A2Zero carbon-neutrality plan moved forward after City Council approved the Energy Criterion and Principles set by The Office of Sustainability and Innovations at its regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 16. “The second criterion is about ensuring that renewable energy or energy efficiency projects are new and displacing fossil fuel energy sources,” it states. Ann Arbor must look beyond city borders to meet 100% renewable energy goal“We are behind. The city’s goal is to make the entire community carbon-neutral and powered by 100% renewable energy by 2030. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:Ann Arbor requests public input on initiative that seeks carbon neutrality by 2030Ann Arbor forum focuses on how plant-based diets can help the environmentCall for housing density in A2Zero plan a concern for some Ann Arbor officials

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The City of Ann Arbor is asking the public for input regarding energy and water usage in commercial and multifamily buildings. A goal of the draft ordinance is to help building owners find opportunities to increase the energy and water efficiency of their buildings, according to a release from the city. Currently, energy and water usage in buildings account for 68% of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions, the release states. “The ordinance will help improve the energy and water efficiency particularly in large buildings across Ann Arbor. The draft ordinance was developed by the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI) and a community task force.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor’s plan to power the community with 100% renewable energy and be carbon-neutral by 2030 relies in part on getting the University of Michigan to go along. Q&A: Missy Stults discusses next steps in Ann Arbor’s plan to achieve carbon-neutralityStults spoke with The Ann Arbor News/MLive about Ann Arbor’s A2Zero carbon-neutrality initiative and how UM fits into it. Missy Stults, the city's sustainability manager, speaks at the Ann Arbor City Council's annual budget planning session Dec. 9, 2019.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor NewsWhat’s your take on the University of Michigan’s new draft carbon-neutrality plan? The University of Michigan Diag and State Street in Ann Arbor on Friday, March 20, 2020. The question is really going to land on in what way and how big of a role do offsets play.

Editor’s note: This is Part 1 of a two-part Q&A with Missy Stults, Ann Arbor’s sustainability manager and leader of the city’s A2Zero carbon-neutrality initiative. ANN ARBOR, MI — As the leader of Ann Arbor’s sustainability office, Missy Stults is responsible for helping the city reduce carbon pollution and do its part to mitigate climate change. Ann Arbor unanimously adopts ambitious roadmap to carbon-neutralityImplementing A2Zero and getting the city, residents, businesses and institutions to do their part is her focus now. Stults spoke with The Ann Arbor News/MLive about what’s on the horizon. If we don’t address climate change, what future impacts will there be for people in Ann Arbor?

ANN ARBOR, MI — After finishing last fiscal year in June with a $1 million surplus, Ann Arbor officials predict things will get harder in the months ahead. The city is facing a potential general fund budget shortfall anywhere from $2.8 million to $9 million next year, depending on what the city decides to fund, according to city projections. “We’re in turbulent waters,” City Administrator Tom Crawford told council at the city’s annual budget planning session over Zoom on Monday, Dec. 14. Matt Horning, the city’s interim chief financial officer, gave an overview of the city’s financial outlook for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which starts next July. The city’s budget model includes a 2.6% increase in property taxes and Horning said he’s confident in that.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Calling all environmentalists. Ann Arbor is seeking community members interested in becoming A2Zero climate ambassadors to help the city in its quest to become carbon-neutral by 2030. Ann Arbor unanimously adopts ambitious roadmap to carbon-neutralityThe city’s sustainability office is launching the A2Zero Ambassador Program with a vision to engage and empower Ann Arborites as stewards of sustainability. The city is accepting applications through Oct. 31 from anyone interested in being part of the inaugural cohort, said Missy Stults, the city’s sustainability manager. Following training, A2Zero ambassadors will provide volunteer support for city efforts to reduce the community’s collective environmental footprint and enhance resilience.

ANN ARBOR At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor will join international counterparts from two Ann Arbor sister cities to discuss carbon neutrality and efforts to advance climate action. Hosted by the National League of Cities, Mayor Taylor will be joined by Simon Henig, Leader of the Council of County Durham in England, and Mayor Erasmus Palmer of Tbingen, Germany. The free webinar will include a short presentation from each community leader as well as question and answer sessions. On June 1, the Ann Arbor City Council unanimously adopted the A2Zero Carbon Neutrality Plan that is intended to help Ann Arbor achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Related: Ann Arbor City Council unanimously adopts carbon neutrality plan Like what youre reading?

ANN ARBOR During its June 1 meeting, Ann Arbor City Council unanimously adopted the A2Zero Carbon Neutrality Plan aimed at helping the entire community achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The plan stems from a climate emergency declaration by City Council on Nov. 4, 2019 that asked staff to craft a comprehensive carbon neutrality plan to be achieved in partnership with the community. It necessitates bold, ambitious and immediate action," Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor said in a statement. Over the last several months, our amazing staff came together with community members, organizations and experts to craft the A2Zero Carbon Neutrality Plan. With todays vote, Ann Arbor has committed to do its part, to do the hard, transformative work to meet our carbon neutrality goals."