Traverse City News and Events

Interlochen Pledges To Power Campus With Clean Energy

By Beth Milligan | Jan. 16, 2023

Interlochen Center for the Arts has pledged to power nearly one-third of its campus operations with clean energy.

Interlochen said in a release that the 10-year committment through the Consumers Energy Large Customer Renewable Energy Program is part of Interlochen's effort to "create a greener, more sustainable community." Through the program, 30 percent of Interlochen’s annual energy usage will be sourced from Michigan-based renewable energy projects, according to the release. "Interlochen’s action is the catalyst for Consumers Energy to develop a new solar project, and their subscription will begin once the project is operating," the release states.

Interlochen President Trey Devey said in a statement that the organization is "thrilled to bring clean, renewable energy to our campus." In 2016, Interlochen’s board adopted a sustainability resolution, pledging to "create an environmentally friendly and sustainable campus." In the six years since, the organization has constructed a botanical lab and community garden; initiated campus-wide recycling and composting programs; installed water-saving appliances and restroom fixtures; established sustainability education programs for Interlochen students and members of the local community; and donated thousands of pounds of organic fruits and vegetables to the local food pantry at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

In 2019, the United States Department of Education designated Interlochen Center for the Arts a Green Ribbon School in recognition of the organization’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact, improve the health and wellness of its students and staff, and provide effective environmental and sustainability education. Interlochen will also release its first-ever formalized climate action plan later this year, which will outline further steps toward mitigating climate change and reducing the institution’s carbon footprint, according to the release.

Comment

Hope Happens Here: Addiction Treatment Services At 50 Years

Read More >>

Something To Crow About: The Rooster To Debut In July

Read More >>

Memories Of Milliken’s: A Look Back At The Department Store That Built Front Street

Read More >>

A Few More Notices For Traverse City From National Media

Read More >>

Why Did This Week’s Run Of 90-Plus Degree Weather Cause So Much Trouble In Traverse City?

Read More >>

East Bay Township Considers TIF District

Read More >>

Zoning Atlas Unveiled for Grand Traverse County

Read More >>

Road Commission Eyes Beitner Bridge Replacement, River Parking Changes

Read More >>

DDA Pursues New Farmers Market Pavilion

Read More >>

Pedestrian Killed Trying to Cross US-31

Read More >>

Jody Lundquist Appointed To Fill NMC Board Vacancy

Read More >>

NMC Announces Candidates For Board Vacancy, Will Appoint New Trustee Monday Night

Read More >>

'Spreading Color and Happiness:' A Chat With The Painted Lady

Read More >>

What Comes After the Pines?

Read More >>