BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program awarded Battle Creek the gold seal of achievement for sustainability efforts and environmental leadership in 2023.
The city is among 63 local governments that participated in the annual MGC Challenge, which recognizes community achievements in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling, environmental justice, etc.
Battle Creek was among 36 communities to achieve gold status. The city was recognized for exemplary action in multiple categories, including planning, economic development, land use, energy efficiency, materials management — recycling, composting, waste diversion — water conservation and protection, clean mobility, and community engagement.
The city is currently conducting its first community-wide greenhouse gas inventory, which will serve as a baseline for measuring future progress in energy efficiency efforts. The resulting findings and goals will be incorporated into the City’s Sustainability Plan. Additionally, in spring 2024, the city introduced single-stream recycling at most of its facilities and is actively working to enhance recycling participation in residential areas.
Battle Creek has received gold seals in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
The MGC program is free and open to all local governments in Michigan. MGC is a sustainability networking, benchmarking and technical assistance program that guides and supports communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for the state of Michigan.
Questions regarding the Michigan Green Communities program can be directed to Danielle Beard, Michigan Green Communities Program Coordinator at info@migreencommunities.com.
Questions regarding Battle Creek’s sustainability and environmental efforts can be directed to Patty Hoch-Melluish, Environmental & Storm Service Manager (269) 966-3355 x1878 or pjhoch@battlecreekmi.gov.
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