Ann Arbor's Carbon Neutrality Plan
Adopted on June 1, 2020, A2ZERO is the City of Ann Arbor's plan for achieving a transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030.
Watch this video for an Introduction to A2ZERO
Carbon Neutrality Home (a2gov.org)
What You Can Do to Build More Sustainably
As you plan for a building or remodeling project, give careful consideration to creating a home that will enjoy lower utility bills, improved indoor air quality, reduced maintenance cost while helping to preserve the Earth's limited natural resources.
"Green" building is not an all or nothing endeavor - event modest measures can reap significant benefits.
Here are some steps that you may want to consider in your building or remodeling projects:
• Sustainably grown and harvested lumber
(Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label)
• Engineered lumber
• Recycled decking & building materials
• Formaldehyde-free building materials
• Third-party-certified sustainable harvested woods
• Fiber cement siding
• Concrete with high fly-ash content
• Zero/Low VOC & Non-petroleum based finishes
• Fluorescent lighting
• Low E Windows & Doors
• Energy Star® appliances
• Programmable thermostats
• Cellulose insulation
• Passive solar heating & light
• Landscaping for water conservation & climate control
• Recycling demolition & construction waste
Certified Green Professional (CGP Designation)
Many BRAG Ann Arbor members have completed professional training and obtained this designation from the National Association of Home Builders.
Go to BRAG Ann Arbor's CGP list
Discuss the environmental impact and ask your contractor about eco-frinedly options and the benefits of making your home more "green".
Green Homes in BRAG Ann Arbor Events
Visit our annual spring Home Garden & Lifestyle Show to learn from the exhibitors and talk about specific questions and aspects of your home or project. Also, make sure to tour local homes in our annual Remodelers Home Tour and Parade of Homes which feature everything from nationally recognized achievements in green building to single rooms with improved energy efficiency and unique "green" features.
Energy Efficiency Incentives
Aside from sustainable materials and environmentally responsible building practices, a home should be energy efficent. A home that minimizes wasted energy can also save you lots of money on utility bills! Plus, the goverment and other organizations offer incentives for specific improvements to your home. Learn about financial benefits offered with these links to the Database of State Initiatives for Renewables & Energy Efficiency website www.DSIREusa.org.
Personal Tax Credit
Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit
State Loan Program
Michigan Saves - Home Energy Loan Program
Utility Rebate Programs & Information
See All Currently Available Programs
DTE AeroBarrier Pilot Program
See details at www./ecoteksupply.com/aerobarrier
LEED Certified Homes
BRAG Ann Arbor members have been among the first in the nation to obtain LEED Certifications for new and remodeled homes. Therefore, the Greater Ann Arbor area has a high concentration of incredible homes that have earned the highest distinctions by the US Green Building Council. Many of these homes have been featured in our Remodelers Home Tour and Parade of Homes. For more about the LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design) Home Certification, visit Learn more about the LEED Program.
