There are a lot of "green" efforts going on around the country, and here in Michigan. Detroit is working on green building and urban farming, but here in Grand Rapids, we're quietly becoming a nationally recognized leader in the realm of sustainability.

According to Earth Techling, an online consumer publication focused on all things green technology, Grand Rapids is becoming one of the most sustainable cities in the country.

Grand Rapids has sought, like many other cities, to cut costs in municipal buildings through energy efficiency measures. Unlike many other cities, Grand Rapids also recognized the need for a systemic and strategic triple-bottom line approach to energy efficiency. The city’s nationally recognized success relies on four key actions: institutionalizing energy efficiency and sustainability thinking into its organizational culture; dedicating itself to detailed measurement and progress reporting; developing a long-term energy efficiency and conservation strategy to guide its work; and empowering city staff to innovate and pursue smart energy projects. [Read More]

In 2010, Grand Rapids was named the nation’s most sustainable mid-size city by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Civic Leadership Center and Siemens Corporation. In June of this year, the city and its mayor, George Heartwell, received the 2012 U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Award in the large city category, an initiative sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Walmart.

Congratulation GR! We're proud to live here. Best Place in Michigan!