The City of Sterling Heights has taken another major step toward sustainability with the adoption of its first-ever Climate Action Plan (CAP), approved by the City Council on Feb. 4. The CAP outlines a strategic approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing climate resilience, and creating a more sustainable future.
Developed in collaboration with City staff, residents and Fresh Coast Climate Solutions, the Climate Action Plan aligns with the city’s 2040 Visioning Plan and Sustainability Plan. The goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in alignment with Michigan’s MI Healthy Climate Plan. The CAP focuses on five key areas: buildings, transportation, waste, natural resources and public health, each with strategies for meaningful change.
"This plan reflects extensive community input and strategic planning," said Alexis Richards, Sterling Heights planner. "We are eager to implement these actions and see their positive impact on our city."
A 2022 emissions inventory found that community-wide emissions totaled 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, with the industrial, residential and transportation sectors as the largest contributors. The city’s municipal operations accounted for 13,312 metric tons, with buildings and facilities generating the highest portion. The first five years of the CAP will focus on reducing municipal emissions to lead by example.
Sterling Heights is already feeling the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, increased precipitation and extreme weather events impacting infrastructure and public health. The CAP prioritizes energy efficiency, green infrastructure, expanded public transportation and waste reduction. Community input has helped shape initiatives such as tree canopy expansion, renewable energy adoption, and improved pedestrian and bike infrastructure.
The CAP builds on Sterling Heights’ ongoing sustainability initiatives under the Think Sterling Green campaign, which includes universal curbside recycling, expanding tree canopy coverage, establishing a community garden and implementing the Pathway to Play and Preservation millage. Implementation of CAP is already underway, as the city has added electric vehicles to its fleet, including Michigan’s first electric police pursuit vehicle, installed public EV charging stations and expanded tree canopy coverage.
"The Climate Action Plan positions Sterling Heights as a leader in sustainability,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. “It's important we act now to ensure a cleaner, healthier and more resilient community for future generations."
Sterling Heights remains committed to integrating sustainability into city planning and operations. The plan will be regularly reviewed to incorporate new technologies and community feedback. For more information, visit sterlingheights.gov/thinkgreen.