CEDAM blog

Building “green” is an increasingly popular practice in Michigan’s community and economic development field. Green buildings are constructed to be safer to human health and have a smaller impact on the natural environment. Many CEDAM members incorporate green building, energy efficiency, and sustainable development into their programs.

Habitat for Humanity works alone or partners with other organizations to build new, energy-efficient homes with environmentally friendly materials.

Northern Initiatives’ award-winning Great Waters Program preserves the environment through nature-based tourism while also teaching area businesses how to be green.

Dwelling Place won a national award in 2009 for their Verne Barry building (LEED certified supportive housing).

WARM Training Center in Detroit is an excellent resource and training center for green building. It is one of Michigan’s 2010 top ten green leaders.

Weatherization increases the energy efficiency of a home and reduces energy costs. Ottawa County Community Action Agency and Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency both offer weatherization assistance to low-income families.

Allen Neighborhood Center winter farmer's market.

Urban farming creates the opportunities for local residents to capture the value of neighborhood land by eating locally-produced food, teaching young people about food systems, and moving vacant land into productive use that is visible and potentially job-creating. CEDAM members are working with residents to establish community gardens and operate small-scale farmers markets where residents can purchase the products of these efforts and attract visitors and new potential homebuyers to their neighborhoods.

CEDAM partner The Greening of Detroit operates its collaborative Garden Resource Program to provide residents and community groups with training, tools, and materials to start and manage sustainable community gardens.

CEDAM members Venture Inc and Lighthouse CDC collaborate through the Pontiac Urban Garden Explosion to bring community gardens to the Pontiac area. The program supports three garden sites and also teaches youth about nutrition, gardening, and business skills.

Allen Neighborhood Center in Lansing was one of the first in the state to have a farmers market that accepts Electronic Bridge Cards and WIC.

The Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation operates a farmers market in northwest Detroit on Thursday evenings during planting season as a way to promote the neighborhood and family-friendly communities.