Environmental Sustainability Commission reports residential energy, composting gains and Gold certification

At the May 5 meeting the Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission presented its 2024 annual report to the council, outlining 2024 goals and early work on a residential energy-efficiency plan and public engagement activities.

The presenter, identified as Ferndale’s zero-waste manager, said the commission meets monthly, is staffed by nine community members, and supports city sustainability goals. The commission set a six-month target to complete a comprehensive residential energy-efficiency draft and formed a subcommittee to develop targeted literature using permit data.

Program metrics noted in the presentation included 193 sign-ups for the residential compost drop-off program during a recent period (1,300 sign-ups total across program history), approximately 209,000 pounds of food scraps composted through the program to date, and “over 600” pounds of batteries collected for recycling (final totals pending from the vendor). The commission also reported 27 new sign-ups for the planned-natural-landscape program and said Ferndale held Michigan Green Communities Challenge Gold certification for 2021–2023 and aims for Gold or higher for the 2024 submission.

The presenter said the commission focused on community engagement—attending events, producing newsletter content and providing educational materials—and on strengthening interdepartmental collaboration and presentations with other city departments and commissions.

Council thanked the commission for its work and expressed anticipation for the residential energy-efficiency plan promised within a six-month timeframe.