About the Office of Sustainability

We are mobilizing the community to address the climate emergency.

Examining the possibility of solar for the Studebaker Museum (2023).

The City of South Bend is committed to eliminating air pollutants that contribute to global warming by the year 2050. With the 2019 Climate Action Plan as our guiding document, the Office of Sustainability designs, develops, and delivers climate solutions.

For example, EASSI — pronounced “easy” — stands for the Energy Assistance & Solar Savings Initiative. With community partners, we provide energy assessments, grants, and low-interest loans to community organizations to complete energy efficiency and solar projects.

Energy Assistance & Solar Savings Initiative (EASSI) - South Bend, Indiana

Transformation Ministries put extra insulation in their gym roof with an EASSI grant. Alex and I painted on their mural during the grand opening of their new building! The entire mural says, “WE ALL NEED EACH OTHER.”

As a small office within the Department of Community Investment, we know that we cannot solve all the problems associated with climate change alone. That is why collaborating with community members is core to our mission.

One avenue of community mobilization is, “Illuminating ways to reduce pollution and adapt to a changing environment.” This means shining a light on amazing work that is happening in South Bend, like pre-approved housing plans that support affordable housing and in-fill development.

I highly recommend following Mike on Twitter!

Please stay tuned to this Medium blog for project updates and community spotlights. You can find out more and apply to Office of Sustainability programs on our website:

Sustainability - South Bend, Indiana

We all need each other!