The City of Ferndale was re-awarded the gold status for its environmental leadership by the statewide Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program for its efforts in 2024 for the fourth year in a row. As part of the annual Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Challenge, local governments are awarded bronze, silver, gold, or platinum seals of achievement. These achievements demonstrate community leadership in various areas, including energy efficiency, climate resilience, recycling, mobility, environmental stewardship, and more. 

It's an honor to be recognized for Ferndale's efforts in environmental leadership. The City was recognized for several action items in the categories:

Embed Sustainability in Planning Process

Integrate sustainability targets and actions into core community planning documents.

Action Item 1

Incorporate measurable sustainability targets and indicators into an existing community master plan OR create a community sustainability plan with measurable sustainability targets and indicators.

Action Item 7

Pass a policy or resolution affirming the community's commitment to equity as a key component of sustainability and the municipality/county’s mission, work, or actions.

Composting

Reduce residential and commercial solid waste by increasing composting of organic materials.

Action Item 10

For communities of all sizes, provide regular information and resources on how to compost at home and/or businesses.

Action Item 11

For communities over 5,000 people, provide on-site organics (food and/or yard waste) collection for single-family residents (at a minimum) and collection at drop-off site(s).

Improve the Community Health Environment

Educate on, plan for, and implement policies and projects to improve air quality and reduce heat impacts in your community.

Action Item 11

Implement a neighborhood tree canopy program to improve air quality and reduce heat impacts.

Non-Motorized Transportation

Commit to, plan for, and implement projects that provide inclusive and safer mobility and access for all roadway users--including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and motor vehicles--regardless of age, ability, or income.

Clean Motorized Vehicles

Transition your fleet and create infrastructure for electric vehicles (EV's) that municipal employees, residents, business, and travelers may use.

Action Item 4

Assess needs and develop a plan for deployment of public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

The MGC Challenge had a record number of participants this year, with 68 communities being recognized for their efforts. The MGC program is open to all local governments in Michigan at no cost. MGC is a sustainability networking, benchmarking, and technical assistance program. It guides and supports communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a more environmentally sustainable and economically competitive future for the state of Michigan.

Thank you so much to Logan Applebee, the City's Zero Waste Manager and staff liaison to the Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission, the Community and Economic Development Department, and all of our amazing Ferndale volunteers, community members, and climate lovers. This gold status goes out to all of you!

Michigan Green Communities is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Department of Transportation; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association. For more information about this program, please visit their website at www.migreencommunities.com. Reach out to info@migreencommunities.com for questions.