Sustainability

Sustainability is a holistic approach that considers environmental, social, and economic dimensions in activities both within city government and in the larger South Bend community. From increasing the community's greenspace, to developing inclusive green entrepreneurship and workforce training programs, to supporting energy efficiency upgrades that reduce the energy burden for residents– the Office of Sustainability embeds a “triple bottom line” approach across the City and designs pathways for residents to engage in creating a livable, prosperous community for current and future generations.

What we focus on

Climate change is an urgent threat to our city. The Office of Sustainability is leading the effort to coordinate our community’s response through both climate adaptation and mitigation strategies that center equity. Key components of these strategies include:

Renewable energy
Energy efficiency
Increased clean transportation and sustainable land use
Green entrepreneurship and workforce development
Urban forestry
Waste reduction and fostering a circular economy

Click the links above to learn more about our programs in each of these areas and how you can contribute to our emissions reduction and adaptation goals.

How we got here and where we’re going

Background on the Office of Sustainability
Our plan to become carbon neutral by 2050
The Green Ribbon Commission (link coming soon!)

Interested in going solar before Indiana's net metering incentive expires in June 2022?The Northern Indiana Solar Co-op launched in July 2021 to help residents and businesses go solar. The co-op is free to join and open to homeowners and business owners in South Bend. Together, co-op members learn about solar energy and use their numbers to buy individual solar systems at a competitive price. You can sign up for the co-op to receive a site visit and the information you need to make an informed decision.