EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City of East Grand Rapids has installed solar panels on all city buildings in an effort to improve its sustainability.
The solar arrays are on the Community Center, the East Grand Rapids branch of the Kent District Library, the public safety building and the public works complex.
“This is a significant step towards the City’s carbon neutrality and sustainability goals as outlined in our Climate Action Plan,” said Deputy City Manager Doug La Fave. “East Grand Rapids has a history of leading in this space, and we’re proud to do our part in reducing our carbon footprint. This technology will also reduce the expense to taxpayers through cost savings generated by the arrays.”
City officials estimate the solar arrays will save the city about $241,000 in utility costs over 25 years.
The Climate Action Plan Resolution, which was adopted in 2022, aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2040.
“Sustainability isn’t a buzzword in East, it is the foundation of our future,” said East Grand Rapids Mayor Katie Favale. “Sustainability efforts are given top priority in all our planning, projects and policymaking. As a result, we’re doing our part to build a resilient and thriving community, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.”
The city has other sustainability initiatives planned, including expanding the resident food scrap composting program, improving bicycle access and planting and maintaining trees.
You can learn more about the sustainability plan in East Grand Rapids here.
