The Office of Sustainability is committed to advancing sustainability both within Oakland County operations, and for the residents and businesses that call Oakland County home. We have committed to make Oakland County’s government operations net-zero by 2050, and to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2035.

The Sustainability Plan for county operations charts a path towards achieving our goals. In 2018, Oakland County performed its first greenhouse gas inventory to assess the current status of emissions generated by county operations. We are working collaboratively across departments to embed sustainability into our processes and achieve meaningful greenhouse gas reduction.

We are also committed to providing programs, resources, and education to empower our communities. Our Oakland SAVES program served over 1,100 households with grants to fund energy efficient upgrades to their homes. Our annual Oakland 62 convening of cities, villages, and townships shares resources with the municipalities throughout Oakland County.

The Office of Sustainability actively pursues grants to bring money into our community to serve our residents. Please visit our Sustainability at Home page for educational information and resources from local organizations working on sustainability.

Vision

Oakland County demonstrates leadership in social, environmental, and economic sustainability through modeling transparent, innovative, and achievable action. The county creates an accessible, safe, and welcoming campus that contributes to a positive service and workplace experience for all, through efficient, equitable, and low-carbon operations.

Guiding Principles

Guiding Principles are values that are important to advance through the county’s sustainability strategies.

Operationalize diversity, equity, and inclusion

Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion as core components of county operations.

Provide accessible services and campus environment

Create an accessible, safe, and welcoming county campus and continue to enable county staff to better serve residents, businesses, and local governments.

Create education and engagement opportunities

Provide education, training, and engagement opportunities for staff as well as for campus visitors.

Advance our net zero carbon goal

Achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 with an interim benchmark of 50% carbon emission reduction by 2035.

Improve air and water quality

Mitigate release of air and water pollutants and invest in technologies and infrastructure that improve air and water quality.

Maximize resource efficiency

Minimize waste of financial, material, staff, and other resources without sacrificing quality.

Meet the Team

Oakland County served as an AmeriCorps Host Site

Oakland County was selected as a host site for the inaugural MI Healthy Climate Corps program. 

The MI Healthy Climate Corps is part of the American Climate Corps AmeriCorps program. Its members serve in various local governments and community-based organizations throughout the state to advance Michigan’s climate goals, support communities, and build capacity for bold climate action. The Office of Sustainability hosted a Climate Corps member in March to November 2024.