Energy Waste Reduction
MISSION
Collaborates with residential, commercial, and industrial sectors to influence local policy and inform the public on how and why to reduce energy waste. Formed in March 2019, the committee amplifies opportunities for accelerating equitable access to energy efficiency programs and resources for all Detroiters.
We have a meaningful opportunity to not only reduce the energy we use in our homes and buildings, but also to raise awareness about how energy efficiency supports occupant health and well-being, improves affordability by lowering utility costs, reduces carbon emissions and air pollution, and improves indoor air quality.
KEY PRIORITIES
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Educate Detroiters and building owners on energy cost saving solutions
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Reduce energy burden so Detroiters spend less on their energy bills
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Reduce energy usage in existing Detroit homes and buildings
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Establish building performance standards for existing buildings and new development
2025-26 Meeting Dates
EWR Committee meetings are hybrid, but we encourage you to attend in person if you can! Meetings are held at TechTown on the following Tuesdays from 12-1:30pm. Mark your calendars!
Find more information about meetings here.
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October 7, 2025
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November 18, 2025
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December 9, 2025
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January 13, 32026
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February 10, 2026
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March 10, 2026
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April 14, 2026
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May 12, 2026
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June 9, 2026
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July 14, 2026
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August 11, 2026
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September 15, 2026
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October 13, 2026
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November 10, 2026
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December 8, 2026
Past Subcommittees
Draft and adopt an Energy and Water Benchmarking and Transparency Ordinance. By tracking energy use in Detroit buildings, owners and tenants have information to become more energy efficient, save money on utilities, reduce operating costs, and reduce the pollution that threatens our air and climate.
BENCHMARKING
ORDINANCE
Draft and adopt a Residential Energy Use Disclosure Policy. By evaluating the energy efficiency of a home or building and making the information known to consumers at time of sale or rent, Detroit residents will be provided information about the home's energy performance and expected utility costs.
ENERGY DISCLOSURE
POLICY
Meet The Team
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Additional Reading
Upcoming Events
If you'd like to learn more about energy waste reduction efforts locally and nationally, check out some of the articles we're reading. A list of all previously linked articles can be found here.
From Redlining to Restorative Justice: Anti-Black racism and energy insecurity go hand in hand in America
When we talk about clean energy and affordable housing in America, what often gets left out of the conversation are the ways in which energy insecurity and racist housing practices intersect.
Just look at predominantly Black neighborhoods throughout the country, such as Detroit, Michigan, and Columbia, South Carolina. The median energy burden of Black households in Detroit is 54 percent higher than that of non-Hispanic white households. Black families who face high energy burdens have to make tradeoffs between utility payments and other necessities, and now that burden has made those same families more susceptible to the life-threatening impacts of COVID-19.
Stay tuned!
Contact Us
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