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 on 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 to learn more about each of these areas and pathways to reach our community’s emissions reduction and adaptation goals.

Our Programs

Energy Assistance and Solar Savings Initiative (EASSI) for nonprofit and community institutions to improve their energy efficiency and savings.
Upskill South Bend for individuals to pursue online training and an industry-standard certification in solar energy.

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!)

Help your community organization access solar energy and improve energy efficiency! The Energy Assistance and Solar Savings Initiative (EASSI) provides subsidized energy assessments, grants, and low-interest loans.

Are you interested in pivoting to a career in clean energy? Upskill SB provides a pathway to achieve a professional certification at minimal or no cost to you. Our office is sponsoring an online training by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association that prepares you for the NABCEP Solar PV Associate exam.

Do you want to reduce both your carbon footprint and your energy bills? Have you considered solar for your home or property but don't know where to begin? Find out more information about all steps of the solar energy journey at our Going Solar in South Bend website.