TheReview_Sept-Oct 2022 Release

Rockford Council Signs Proclamation on Carbon Neutrality ____________

Carbon neutral by 2050

• Tracking Energy Usage – An intern from MSU helped enter data into ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to track the city’s energy usage. Since that time, the SusCom has initiated a pilot program with Key Green Solutions (KGS) to make that data easier to access and analyze. KGS downloads data from Consumers Energy, DTE, and the city waste haulers and provide user friendly graphs. They also input fuel and water usage. • Solar Open House – SusCom partnered with MI Solar Users Network to host an annual open house at a local heating and cooling, and an induction stove for cooking. This past October the event was expanded from a solar demonstration to include other forms of electrification. Solar installers, HVAC reps, and financing professionals were available on-site for attendees to interact with. • Grants – The SusCom wrote and received the Community Energy Management Grant that is funding the climate action planning. They have also submitted a mini grant proposal to NextCycle to start a composting pilot program. • Invasive Removal – The SusCom partnered with Kent Conservation District to remove Asian bittersweet, an invasive alien vine that is one of the greatest threats to habitats in our area. • Media Presence – The SusCom has a website created by their summer intern. They also have a Facebook page and write regular articles for the local newspaper The Rockford Squire. resident’s home to talk about alternative energy. This net-zero home has solar panels, geo-thermal

The SusCom is a volunteer-based committee that acts as an advisory group to the Rockford City Council. Each one of the committee members is a Rockford resident or business owner and is passionate about the Rockford community. For more information about the Rockford SusCom, visit www.rockfordsuscom.us, www.facebook.com/rockfordsus, or email Committee Chair Mindy Miner at 3mminer@gmail.com.

Taking the

out of your telecom challenges headache

Telecom Expense Management & Cost Optimization Phone System & VoIP Consulting Mobile Device Management

mml@abilita.com

abilita.com/mml

888.910.2004

ENDORSED BY:

12 THE REVIEW

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022