[DEQ] DEQ honors inaugural class of Environmental Leaders

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy sent this bulletin at 03/24/2015 12:13 PM EDT

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DEQ honors inaugural class of Environmental Leaders

March 24, 2015

Picture of Environmental Leaders logo

GM GREEN is devoted to training the next generation of environmental leaders.

The project, also known as the GM Global Rivers Environmental Education Network program, began in Michigan more than 30 years ago. Today, GM’s Flint Assembly plant participates in the project, helping educate area middle and high school students about their impacts on local watersheds.

This innovative community engagement project at GM Flint Assembly earned the plant recognition from the DEQ as one of the 20 facilities in the inaugural class of the Michigan Environmental Leaders. The program recognizes companies that demonstrate outstanding, voluntary environmental stewardship, community partnering and mentoring.


The DEQ created the program in hopes of encouraging more voluntary participation in green projects that engage local communities. It is designed to share success stories with other businesses and communities across Michigan, and remind companies that participation in community life is not difficult. Mentoring – like GM’s work with students in Flint – is one of the simplest, most powerful tools available to change attitudes and encourage environmental stewardship.

The following list represents the first group of facilities to receive this honor, along with an example of their success:

  • ADAC Automotive 36th Street, in Grand Rapids, is partnering with Muskegon Conservation District on a Johnny O. Harris park cleanup.
  • ADAC Automotive Keating, in Muskegon, partnered with St. John’s Home on a tree planting project.
  • ADAC Automotive Port City, in Muskegon, is investigating potential for solar energy utilization at the facility.
  • ADAC Automotive Saranac, in Saranac, created an extensive recycling program resulting in more than $100,000 in savings.
  • AWTEC, in Plymouth, started its own Neighbor Environmental Partners group in Metro West Industrial Park.
  • Cascade Engineering, in Grand Rapids, obtained silver certification promoting bicycle commuting and bicycling between buildings.
  • DENSO Manufacturing, in Battle Creek, is partnering with Western Michigan University’s Green Manufacturing Initiative.
  • Dewitt Barrels, in Marne, partnered with the West Michigan Environmental Action Council on an innovative Rain Barrel Partnership.
  • Ford Motor Company EMDO, in Allen Park, recently announced a five-year global waste reduction strategy, calling for a 40 percent per vehicle reduction in waste.
  • General Motors Flint Assembly, in Flint, partnered with Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GREEN) and the Flint River Watershed Coalition.
  • General Motors Flint Metal Center, in Flint, is engaging middle school students on water quality sampling in support of the annual GREEN Summit conference.
  • General Motors Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, in Detroit, participated in the Winning Futures Mentoring Activity weekly with students at Harper Woods High School.
  • General Motors Romulus Engine, in Romulus, participated in a robotics partnership with Romulus High School.
  • Herman Miller 171st, in Spring Lake, is striving toward a zero operational footprint and partnering with local boys and girls clubs.
  • Herman Miller GreenHouse, in Holland, supported an e-waste collection event by providing a trailer and transportation.
  • Herman Miller Hickory, in Spring Lake, is partnering with the Tri-Cities Habitat for Humanity on construction of a house.
  • Herman Miller Midwest Distribution, in Holland, is partnering with the West Michigan Environmental Action Council in local classrooms and streams.
  • Herman Miller Zeeland Main, in Zeeland, is focusing on a new “Earthright” strategy that emphasizes positive transparency, products as living things and becoming greener together.
  • ITC Holdings Corp, in Novi, participates in the Wildlife at Work program, which provides a certification on habitat restoration and conservation.
  • Weyerhaeuser Company, in Grayling, participated with more than 350 4th grade students on Farm Bureau’s two-day forestry course.

Companies received recognition after completing an Environmental Stewardship Partners Annual Performance Report, which provides an opportunity to share environmental stewardship efforts, community partnering activities and related mentoring successes. 

The form is available at www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/OEA_Annual_Performance_Report_Form_456392_7.docm.

The Environmental Leaders program is built on a model of continuous improvement. The DEQ accepts applications until June 1 each year, followed by a review process. All applicants who meet basic criteria will be formally recognized with a certificate and letter congratulating them on their accomplishments. 

In addition, the highest performing facilities in the categories of Environmental Steward, Community Partner and Mentor – as judged by both the DEQ and an external group of their peers – will receive special recognition. 

To learn more about the DEQ’s Environmental Leaders Program, visit www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-70153_70155_70157-312041--,00.html.