The Mission:
Last year, I had only heard brief mentions of the 2030 District. I was working with Ann Arbor Public Schools on a project through the Graham Sustainability Scholars, where another student group was working with the 2030 District. When the program presented an opportunity to intern for them, I learned the 2030 District is a nonprofit striving to reduce energy and water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in cities across the United States. As many of you know, to ensure the planet doesn’t warm over 1.5°C, emissions must be cut by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. The U.S. is the second largest emitter of carbon dioxide, so we have a greater responsibility than most to take action. The 2030 District is instrumental in accomplishing this mission. They aim to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2040. The more cities that join, the quicker we can reduce emissions as a country and reduce the impact of global warming. Ann Arbor is one of 24 cities nationwide participating in the initiative, ranging from Detroit to New York City to San Diego.
The City:
As with many fundamental changes, it is often more efficient and effective to provide policy support at the government level. In 2021, the City of Ann Arbor unanimously voted for and implemented the Energy and Water Benchmarking and Disclosure Ordinance. Using an online tool established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), buildings over 20,000 square feet in Ann Arbor are required to report their energy and water usage to the City. This reporting is called “benchmarking”. The City contracts with the Ann Arbor/Washtenaw 2030 District to help property owners benchmark their buildings free of charge.
The Individuals:
The reality behind this benchmarking goal is that it takes many people and many hours to make it happen. This summer I caught a glimpse of the manpower necessary while working with Jan Culbertson, Ben Rose, Karen Thurman, a SEAS graduate team, and other faculty. Even amongst our 2030 District team, there are dozens of buildings in Ann Arbor and across Washtenaw County. Using a list of eligible properties from the City, we have to find the owners, notify them about the Ordinance (if they don’t know already), and encourage them to work with us. This was my first task of the summer – extensive Google searches to find someone to talk to at each property. This gave me a striking window into how many connections are needed to make much of anything happen on a city or county-wide level. I talked with realtors, tenants, secretaries, maintenance, etc. – all to find someone responsible for general property management. Some were wary about conversing at all, although just as many were eager to have the help, especially when we told them we are contracted directly with the city.
Although it is important, benchmarking can still be complicated, time-consuming, and daunting. Having help and working with real people can be a relief for many owners. My boss, Jan Culbertson, is a shining example of this. She is friendly, clever, vibrant, and has a remarkable ability to multitask. While I sat at the registration desk at the Ann Arbor 2030 District Summit this year, I watched her greet everyone by name and with a smile. In the office, she jumps between email, Zoom, and phone calls helping owners navigate their energy provider accounts, water bills, energy bills, and the EPA’s online tool (Energy Star Portfolio Manager).
Once she helps them cross their t’s and dot their i’s, the real work begins. At that point, we usually have their property profile set up and can work on inputting their energy data (a job for interns). Using too many websites, accounts, and virtual tools to name – we input data, investigate any anomalies, and make sure the city knows that the property has been properly benchmarked per the Ordinance. After everything has been reported, the fun part is seeing their Energy Star Score. The score is set from 1 – 100. The tool calculates how your building compares to those of similar uses (restaurant, apartment complex, etc.) nationwide, not just those in the program. A score closer to 1 means the building is performing poorly, 50 is average, and over 75 means your building is excelling in its energy and water efficiency. A score of over 75, meaning your building performs better than 75% of similar buildings nationwide, can qualify your property for an Energy Star Certification. The overall score, along with the centralization of building performance data, can further allow us to make energy-saving (and money-saving) recommendations. We can even use the data to identify abnormal water or gas usage and water leaks. A full energy audit of the building can confirm ways to improve energy efficiency in the property.
Interconnection:
During my work with the 2030 District, I learned how vital interpersonal relationships are, even in heavily data-based climate solutions. We connect with property owners from all different backgrounds. We connect with the City to help owners comply with the Benchmarking Ordinance and the City connects with the federal government by using their tools. And in the middle of it all are the 2030 staff, interns, and Jan Culbertson. So even amongst the hard data and energy bills, I still find the answer to climate change is people (even as much as they are the cause) and connection. Nothing gets done if we work alone. Luckily, in Ann Arbor the University of Michigan provides a built-in community with many students and staff who are both eco-minded and passionate about the town they live in. To learn more about how Ann Arbor 2030 District is connecting and improving the community, you can check out their website: https://2030districts.org/annarbor/
Laurel Petrides is a Graham Sustainability Scholar studying at the University of Michigan. Learn more about the Graham Sustainability Scholars Program through the Graham Sustainability Institute.