
Kickstarting Circular Ann Arbor: Determining Indicators, Analyzing Current Models, and Building Community Support for an Equitable & Resilient Circular Economy in Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor needs metrics to baseline GHG emissions, develop reduction targets and measure progress in building a circular economy. This project aims to develop a framework to test and implement a set of metrics related to City of Ann Arbor’s circular economy goals of Decarbonization, Resilience, and Equity. Life Cycle thinking was applied throughout the project’s three main parts: 1) develop municipal circular economy metrics, 2) test and implement a set of metrics for community scale circular economy pilots, 3) stimulate expansion of the circular economy by businesses, consumers, and policy-makers. Key deliverables include a metrics dashboard, a locator map to direct consumers to circular economy businesses, 3 pilot case studies and an inventory of existing circular economy activity in Ann Arbor, and community outreach materials such as videos to communicate to businesses, nonprofits, and the community at large about the circular economy and recruit their participation.
Zhaoqianyi Ji, MS (SusSys); Tariku Negassa, MS (GDS); Ananya Shah, MS (SusSys); Brooke Troxell, MS (EJ), MURP; Jane Wei, MS (SusSys)