The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) has announced that the Detroit Zoo will be powered by 100% Michigan-made renewable energy through DTE Energy’s MIGreenPower program.
The move, expected to offset 7,425 metric tons of carbon dioxide, is part of DZS’ “Greenprint” plan to continuously decrease the environmental impact of its operations. DTE will source the renewable energy from three wind farms that will come online in late 2020.
MIGreenPower is a voluntary renewable energy program that helps DTE’s electric customers reduce their carbon footprint and support the development of wind and solar projects in Michigan. Enrolled customers can customize their participation and attribute up to 100% of their energy use to local projects.
“Our commitment to sustainability is integrated into everything we do, from our environmentally responsible operations to our community-wide education programs,” says Ron Kagan, DZS’s executive director and CEO. “Joining MIGreenPower is a major step forward for us, as our power needs significantly exceed what we can produce on-site. This program helps reduce our carbon footprint while also supporting local, Michigan-made renewable energy.”
“We are excited to welcome the Detroit Zoological Society to MIGreenPower as we all work together to protect our planet for our children and future generations,” adds Jerry Norcia, president and CEO of DTE Energy. “The zoo joins other well-known Michigan institutions including Ford, General Motors and the University of Michigan, and more than 8,300 individual residential and business customers who are using MIGreenPower to make a positive impact on the environment. This program provides an efficient way to power the zoo with 100 percent renewable energy.”
DTE first launched MIGreenPower in April 2017 and introduced an expanded version of the program for large corporate and industrial customers in January. It is part of the company’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2040. DTE is developing additional MIGreenPower programs to meet more customer needs.
