Ann Arbor's commitment to sustainability efforts are no longer questioned. They're rewarded.
The latest award has gone to the city's Energy Coordinator, David Konkle. The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association presented its Individual Commitment Award to Konkle earlier this month at Leopold Brothers Brewery.
Konkle, the city's energy coordinator for 19 years, received the award for his efforts to increase the mainstream use of renewable energy in Michigan. Konkle is credited with saving the city more than $8 million in energy costs and has won another $2 million in grant funds for the city. The most recent is when Ann Arbor was named a Solar America Cities recipient from the U.S. Department of Energy, with other cities such as New Orleans, New York City and Boston.
Last year Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje and the City Council set a goal of the city receiving 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2015. Since then, the city's Energy Office has developed a comprehensive plan, the Ann Arbor Solar City Partnership, which includes public education, solar installation training, demonstration projects, market incentives and regulatory support.
Source: City of Ann Arbor
Writer: Jon Zemke
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.