Office of Energy and Sustainability Homepage
Haris Alibasic
Haris Alibasic
Administrative Analyst II
456-3497

Mission Statement

Make Grand Rapids a Sustainable City!
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The Office of Energy and Sustainability coordinates the City’s efforts in energy efficiency, sustainability, conservation and renewable energy. In doing so the Office works with key staff from the Executive Office, Environmental Services, Water System, Community Development, Economic Development, Planning, Facilities/Fleet Management and others.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation 

Grand Rapids is set to receive $1.938 million in formula funding from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. This program was funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The funds can be used for a number of energy efficiency and conservation projects throughout the City which are limited in scope and concentration. There is a relatively strict timeline in which the funds can be obligated and subsequently used. The Office will coordinate the work done under this program, including the development of a comprehensive Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy for the City. Detailed information on the use of ARRA funds is available on the City’s Stimulus Tracker.

More information on the City’s work in this area is available on the City’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation page.

Renewable Energy

The City has established a Renewable Energy Team, consisting of the Mayor and two City Commissioners, along with key City staff and interested stakeholders. The Team meets on a bi-monthly schedule and receives reports from staff on recent activities and provides guidance and advice on renewable energy projects.

More information can be found on the City’s Renewable Energy page.

Sustainability

Under the leadership of Mayor George Heartwell, the City has been on a sustainability journey that began with the formation of the Community Sustainability Partnership (CSP) earlier this decade. The CSP has expanded from the original six endorsing partners to over 180 members.

The City replaced its former strategic plan with its first Sustainability Plan in 2006, and, over time, has adopted a triple bottom line approach to sustainability—including the environment, the economy and social equity and capital. Our first Triple Bottom Line Indicator Report was issued in December of 2008 and will be updated annually.

More information can be found on the Sustainability page.

Economic Development

The Office also works with the Economic Development Department and The Right Place, Inc., to attract companies in the renewable energy and energy efficiency fields and spur investment in Grand Rapids and the region.

What's In The News?

February 13, 2010 - Mayor George Heartwell outlines top three green priorities for 2010 - Grand Rapids Environmental News Examiner.  Read more . . .

Michigan's Appliance Rebate Program begins February 20, 2010.  Read more . . .

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy Completed
A comprehensive Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy has been completed for the City of Grand Rapids and is available for viewing.  The Strategy includes a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory as well as strategies for becoming a more energy efficient and sustainable organization.