Why Michigan?

The ambition of the LCB R+D Initiative is to establish a robust network of researchers and collaborators within the University of Michigan and across the Midwest region. Strategically located in the heartland of the United States, Michigan serves as a crucial transportation hub, connecting the continental US. The state is part of the Great Lakes Basin system, a valuable natural resource that holds twenty percent of the world’s freshwater supply (and ninety percent of the US’s freshwater) sharing borders with Canada and seven other states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. 

Among the contiguous states, Michigan is one of the most climate-stable areas, protected from extreme wildfires, drought, flooding, and major storm events. The state boasts the nation’s highest concentration of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and a rich history in manufacturing, particularly in the automotive and furniture sectors. Today, Michigan builds upon this legacy, supported by a range of peripheral industries in engineering, renewable energy, design, and marketing.

At the municipal level, Michigan has adopted comprehensive climate action plans through The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)’s MI Healthy Climate Plan which outlines pathways to reach 100% carbon neutrality by 2050. The close alignment and targeted climate action plans among different regional groups across Michigan highlight the concerted efforts to decarbonize the built environment and create robust economic opportunities. Situated at U-M, the LCB R+D Initiative is not only fostering local and regional alliances but is also expanding its network to include other academic institutions outside of the Midwest and the US. These partnerships aim to accelerate decarbonization efforts and align with various stakeholders to reach maximum impact. This expansion aims to accelerate the decarbonization of the built environment through frameworks similar to those of the LCB R+D Initiative or through project-based collaborative exchanges.