Home » Departments and Divisions » Community Investment » Sustainability » Renewable Energy Renewable Energy Renewable energy can play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving South Bend's energy security. Using renewable energy can help to reduce energy imports and reduce fossil fuel use. Why renewable energy? Our community can dramatically reduce our carbon footprint by purchasing or directly generating electricity from clean, renewable sources. To achieve our goal of carbon neutral by 2050, South Bend will need to increase on-site renewable energy installations, support actions by electric utilities to procure electricity from renewable energy sources, electrify heating and cooking systems, and switch natural gas consumption to renewable natural gas. Environmental and economic benefits of using renewable energy include: Generating energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces some types of air pollution Diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on imported fuels Creating economic development and jobs in manufacturing, installation, and more Renewable energy priority areas Solar Energy Transitioning to cleaner energy means that solar power must become a growing part of South Bend’s future. Over the next two years, the City aims to install more than 1MW of solar power on rooftops. Here are a few ways to get involved in this transition: Apply for the Energy Assistance and Solar Savings Initiative here (for nonprofits and community institutions only). Visit our Going Solar in South Bend webpage here to figure out if solar is right for you. Read about the steps South Bend has taken to become solar-friendly here. VIEW ALL NEWS sustainability@southbendin.gov 574.235.9357 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. Suite 1400S South Bend, IN 46601 Connect