Orion Township was recently recognized for its environmental leadership by the statewide Michigan Green Communities program.
Orion Township achieved gold status for exemplary action in multiple categories, including economic development, land use, climate resilience, climate adaptation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, materials management (recycling, composting, waste diversion), water conservation and protection and community engagement, according to a news release from Orion Township government.
“Most remarkable was Orion Township’s demonstrated increase in quantity and quality of both commercial and recreational development, while also increasing investment in, and improvement of local parks and nature reserves all while prioritizing and enhancing community social, financial, environmental and physical wellbeing,” the release stated.
Examples include General Motors Orion Assembly, Orion Township’s purchase of Great Lakes Athletic Club and their investing in and revisioning of the space into a community recreation center, upgraded and renovated several sewer lift stations and other waste management measures resulting in a 20% reduction in household disposal since 2020, and over $3 million invested in Orion Parks and trails, according to the township.
As part of the 2023 Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Challenge, 62 participating local governments were awarded gold, silver, or bronze seals of achievement reflecting community leadership in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling, environmental justice, and more.
Seven communities received bronze certification, 20 received silver certifications, and 35 received gold certification.
The Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program is open to all local governments in Michigan, at no cost, and is a sustainability networking, benchmarking and technical assistance program guiding and supporting communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for the state of Michigan.
More details about this program can be found at www.migreencommunities.com.
Michigan Green Communities is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association.