As environmental awareness and sustainable practices become increasingly prevalent across the globe, many companies are embracing efficient systems to keep environmental sustainability at the forefront of business strategy. In Michigan, many companies are leading with corporate sustainability programs to accelerate key initiatives such as zero waste, carbon neutrality and sustainable materials. This month, we are putting the spotlight on some of the Michigan sustainability superstars paving the way to a robust, prosperous economy.

CALSTART, a national clean transportation nonprofit with an office in Troy, provides technology services and consulting to a range of clients, from businesses to government agencies. By focusing on four key initiatives—cars, trucks, buses and fuels—CALSTART facilitates sustainable business practices through services in technology development, assessment and validation, market acceleration, public policy and member support. Earlier this year, CALSTART launched its Drive to Zero program, an international campaign aimed to accelerate the growth of the zero-emission commercial vehicle space. The program’s key objective is to drive market viability for zero emission commercial vehicles in urban communities by 2025—an impressive and valuable feat.

NextCycle Michigan, an initiative by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), was developed to achieve recycling goals through innovative, tactical partnerships. Funded through grants found through the Renew Partnership Portal, NextCycle Michigan incubates ideas to expand upon the recycled materials supply chain in Michigan. EGLE recently announced the launch of its MICROS Innovation Challenge Track application, where businesses, entrepreneurs, universities, governments and nonprofits can apply to produce small-scale, creative recycling solutions to benefit the broader state of Michigan.

One of America’s first statewide Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) initiatives, Lean & Green Michigan (LAGM), is also creating viable change in the state. Through private capital, LGMI helps finance renewable energy, energy efficiency and water conservation projects for privately-owned commercial property owners across Michigan. Ultimately, LAGM creates work for contractors while building clean, green communities, ensuring Michigan’s Property Assessed Clean Energy Act is met. The Detroit-based enterprise launched its first PACE project in Grand Traverse County this year, utilizing $1.8 million in PACE financing to provide energy conservation by way of green roofing, solar PV, energy recovery ventilators and more.

Another significant player leading the future of clean mobility and automotive technology both in the mitten and across the globe is automotive supplier, Faurecia. Last fall, the company announced its vision for hydrogen mobility and has since accelerated its zero-emission hydrogen strategy worldwide. Shortly following, it was awarded a contract with Hyundai Motor Company for its hydrogen storage systems—equipping around 1,600 Hyundai heavy duty trucks with its latest technology. Additionally, Stellantis is partnering with Faurecia to develop, supply and assemble hydrogen storage systems for its light commercial vehicle (LCV).

When it comes to effective business practices, many Michigan companies continue to lead the charge through end-to-end sustainability programs to reduce our environmental footprint. Forward-thinking business practices such as these are the framework to protecting the environment for decades to come and have proven to play an integral role in the pursuit of a more sustainable industry.

“While trends like zero emission vehicles and carbon neutrality drive sustainability efforts across the state, companies are also very focused on meeting a growing consumer interest in buying products that are environmentally-friendly,” said Glenn Stevens, executive director at MICHauto. “These are just a few of the great examples of how sustainability is at the forefront of development in automobility across our state of Michigan.”

Learn more about prominent sustainability initiatives across the state here.