Archived News Release: June 3, 2021 - To celebrate the first anniversary of the city's plan to achieve a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality, known as A2ZERO, the Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI) is hosting the "Saving Energy" design contest. This contest focuses on enhancing community awareness about the importance of saving energy and the steps that we can take to reduce our energy usage.
Students in grades K-12 can help design a badge or sticker to promote saving energy and reducing our carbon footprint. Designs of finalists will be used in the 2022 Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) Summer Game (http://play.aadl.org) badges. Additionally, winners will receive a $200 cash prize, courtesy of OSI, and have their design featured at future A2ZERO community events. The public will be invited to vote on final design entries. Learn more on the "Saving Energy" Design Contest page .
In addition to the sticker contest, OSI is partnering with AADL to help residents get access to some easy-to-use tools to lower energy costs, measure indoor air quality, maintain indoor health and comfort, and reduce energy waste. An A2ZERO Kit focusing on sustainability-related materials will be available for check out from any AADL branch this summer. The kit will include meters for measuring energy use, indoor air quality, air leakage and more. Materials in the kit will help people identify areas of their homes with high air leakage or poor insulation, test the indoor air quality, and learn more about the energy being used by various electronics. Along with the A2ZERO kits, OSI and AADL co-designed a series of Summer Game badges focusing on saving energy and renewable energy. Interested individuals can get summer game codes by searching for books on reducing energy waste, finding downtown buildings powered by solar energy, and further engaging with how energy is produced and used in our community.
"The city is delighted to announce these events to increase awareness of the opportunities and the benefits of saving energy and lowering energy costs," said Dr. Missy Stults, head of the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations. "I hope these activities are not only educational but fun and engaging for all ages."
Also during A2ZERO Week, the community is invited to celebrate Ann Arbor Green Fare June 1–6, which showcases local, sustainable, plant-based menus, approaches to carryout and other business operations from a variety of merchants. Learn more at www.a2gov.org/GreenFare. On Sunday, June 6, the community is encouraged to get involved by participating in the A2ZERO Week Day of Service. See all of the ways to help out – from volunteering with a local organization or event to donating at a food bank.
Excited about A2ZERO and interested in taking action? You can sign the A2ZERO Pledge and commit to one or more actions that will help make the carbon neutrality goal a reality. You can also take action by becoming an A2ZERO Ambassador - those who are interested can fill out an online application .
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