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.

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