Oakland County Again Earns Gold Certification for Environmental Leadership

• Oakland County achieved gold certification in the Michigan Green Communities Challenge for 2025, the second consecutive year.
• The county increased its sustainability score from 134 points to 166 points, reflecting significant progress across multiple environmental categories.
• Oakland County is advancing renewable energy, water conservation and electric vehicle infrastructure while working toward platinum certification.

Pontiac, Mich. - Oakland County once again earned gold certification for environmental leadership through the Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Challenge, recognizing the county's continued commitment to sustainability, equity and climate resilience. The certification, awarded by MGC in May 2026 for work completed during the 2025 calendar year, reflects Oakland County's continued progress in advancing environmental initiatives. The county improved its overall score from 134 points in 2024 to 166 points in 2025, demonstrating meaningful growth across multiple sustainability categories.

"We are making measurable progress in reducing our environmental footprint while building a more resilient and sustainable Oakland County," County Executive Dave Coulter said. "Achieving Gold Certification for a second consecutive year reflects the hard work of our Office of Sustainability and county departments across our government."

As part of the annual MGC Challenge, local governments earn bronze, silver, gold or platinum certification based on accomplishments in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, materials management, sustainable land use, water conservation and community engagement.

Oakland County's improved score reflects advancements in almost every category, especially:

• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
• Materials Management
• Sustainable Land Use
• Water Resources Protection

The county made progress toward key sustainability metrics, including reducing water consumption on the Oakland County campus, increasing the amount of energy supplied through renewable sources and expanding the availability of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations.

"Our continued improvement in the MGC Challenge demonstrates that sustainability is becoming increasingly embedded in how Oakland County operates and serves residents," Chief Sustainability Officer Julie Lyons Bricker said. "The gains we have achieved this past year position us well as we continue pursuing innovative solutions and work toward achieving platinum certification within the next two years."

Environmental Sustainability is one of Oakland County's eight strategic goals. Through the leadership of the Office of Sustainability and partnerships across its government, Oakland County continues to implement initiatives that reduce environmental impacts and strengthen climate resilience.

The MGC Challenge is a sustainability networking, benchmarking and technical assistance program. It guides and supports communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents and creating a more environmentally sustainable and economically competitive future for the state of Michigan.

For more information about Oakland County's environmental initiatives, visit OakGov.com/Sustainability.