With local projects cited as examples, Michigan has been recognized as a top state in sustainable development practices by Site Selection magazine. The ranking affirms Michigan’s commitment to green energy practices and social responsibility while continuing to be a state where businesses can succeed and grow.
“We are building on our legacy of leadership in business growth and development by adopting progressive and innovative initiatives to ensure our industries are sustainable here in Michigan,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Natural resources remain the foundation of our Pure Michigan way of life and this top 3 spot in Site Selection’s Sustainability Rankings reaffirms that tradition remains a priority as we create jobs and jump start the economy in the state.”
For East North Central regional rankings in this year, Michigan ranked 2nd, ahead of peer states including Ohio (#3), Wisconsin (#4) and Indiana (#5).
In addition to Michigan’s overall top-three ranking and competitive spot within the regional rankings, Grand Rapids-Wyoming (#2), Lansing-East Lansing (#3), Ann Arbor (#7) and Kalamazoo-Portage (#9) all made the list of top 10 metro areas in the East North Central region – the most of any state in the region.
Site Selection’s rankings blend standard green metrics such as LEED-certified buildings, renewable energy use and green building incentives with unique inputs such as areas’ corporate social responsibility profiles, brownfield redevelopment, corporate facility investments in sectors with green connections.
Just last week, Governor Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in announcing brownfield, as well as a Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant, support for Whirlpool Corporation’s new Technical Center on a brownfield site in St. Joseph. The innovative project also includes a multi-family development with 80 apartments in Benton Harbor that, combined with the Technical Center will generate positive business impacts, including the ability to attract and retain needed talent while offering housing options. The project is in the final stages of local government approval, with construction expected to start in 2022.
