Grand Traverse Band Carbon Footprint and Ecosystem Resilience Feasibility Study

The Carbon Footprint Calculation and Implementation Feasibility and Design Study aimed to provide the GTB with a clear roadmap to target emission reduction strategies and secure resources for clean energy investments. This initiative evaluated both emission drivers and vulnerabilities of the natural system and watersheds that support Tribal life, offering a substantial opportunity for decarbonization through energy efficiency, electrification, and deployment of regionally appropriate alternative energy systems. The effort guided short, intermediate, and long-term carbon reduction goals and transition to renewable energy that will improve the quality of resident lives and enhance the Tribe’s climate and water resilience.   

Key tasks included collecting and analyzing baseline resource use data and establishing a greenhouse gas inventory; developing energy initiatives to identify strategies, evaluating and recommending collaborative environmental and climate change cost-share agreements, creating a stakeholder education framework with strategies for reaching tribal citizens, and preparing a comprehensive plan. CIS will assist the GTB Natural Resources Department and project collaborators in aligning tribal council, departments, committees, and community partners to build long-term capacity for implementation and equitable benefit allocation.