Oakland SAVES Grant Program
Oakland Saves StoryMap
Energy efficiency supports all three pillars of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic—by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering energy costs, and creating local jobs. In celebration of Earth Day, Oakland County is showcasing the impact of its 2024 energy efficiency program, Oakland SAVES, which provided upgrades that benefitted both the environment and the community through a brand-new StoryMap.
Oakland County partnered with Michigan Saves to upgrade nearly 1,100 households, improving comfort, resilience, and reducing utility bills, while also generating over $7.7 million in local contracting work. The StoryMap features participant testimonials, a map of completed projects, and an analysis of its environmental, social, and economic impacts.
Visit the new Oakland Saves StoryMap
Application Closed
The response to the Oakland SAVES program was phenomenal with more than 1,100 households receiving approval for the money saving, energy efficiency upgrade grants in less than a week. Tier 1 and Tier 2 grant incentive funds have been fully committed to previous applicants. The application is no longer available.
THERE ARE STILL OPTIONS
- Michigan Saves has a residential financing program that provides low-interest loans to homeowners for eligible energy-efficiency projects.
- Oakland County’s Neighborhood and Housing Development department has a home improvement program that provides interest-free low loans for needed house repairs.
- OLHSA has a weatherization assistance program that is a free energy conservation service for low-income households to reduce energy usage and utility bills.
- DTE Energy Efficiency Assistance
- Consumers Helping Neighbors Program
- Oakland County is actively seeking partners to help extend and expand the Oakland Saves initiative.
Oakland County partnered with Michigan Saves, the nation’s first nonprofit green bank, to invest $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to provide qualified residents with an Oakland SAVES grant. These grants were used for energy efficient upgrades to homes, producing savings in energy consumption and utility bills and improving our residents’ health, safety and comfort.
“Helping our residents upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes will not only enable them to save money on their utility bills but will also be beneficial for the environment. Less energy usage means a reduction in carbon emissions and that translates into a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all of us.”
Dave Coulter, County Executive
Any qualified resident in Oakland County applied for a grant in one of two tiers:
- Income-qualified households received up to $5,000 from a pot of $4 million to help pay for projects.
- Other residents applied to have 20% of a sustainable home improvement project covered by a grant, capping out at $3,000 each from a pot of $1 million.
Eligible improvements included: the installation of insulation, energy-efficient doors and windows, weatherstripping, and heating, ventilation, water heater and air conditioning improvements.
For more ways to improve your energy efficiency and reduce both costs and climate impact at home, check out the resources on our Sustainability at Home page.
News & Updates
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Sustainability
Oakland County Planting Nearly 700 Trees on Government Campus While Reducing Fleet Fuel Consumption
29 Apr, 11:22 AM
Oakland County’s strategic sustainability goal is to reach net zero carbon emissions for county operations by 2050.
- These trees have the potential to absorb 15 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year from the atmosphere.
- The county’s reduction in fuel consumption averted the release of 196 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, nearly equal to the amount of carbon dioxide released globally every second.
- Oakland County’s strategic sustainability goal is to reach net zero carbon emissions for county operations by 2050.
Pontiac, Mich. – In Celebration of April as Earth Month, Oakland County is once again demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship with the planting of about 700 trees across its government campus. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these trees will each remove an average of 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually once mature or an estimated 15 metric tons of carbon dioxide a year.
In addition to the tree planting, the county continues to make significant strides in reducing emissions from its fleet operations. Despite an increase in fleet size and total miles traveled in 2024, Oakland County’s investment in higher fuel-efficiency vehicles helped save more than 22,000 gallons of gas. This reduction averted the release of 196 metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to removing approximately 46 gasoline-powered vehicles from the road for an entire year.
“This kind of progress underscores our commitment to sustainable practices,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “From our growing canopy of trees to smart fleet management, we’re taking action today to build a healthier, more resilient environment for our children and future generations.”
Building on last year’s momentum, when the county planted 500 trees and saved 123,000 gallons of fuel, Oakland County has now planted 1,200 trees since launching the initiative and averted the release of more than 2.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide in just two years. The initiative is a major step toward achieving the county’s goal of planting 2,027 trees by 2027 and reaching net zero emissions from operations by 2050.
“Our goal is to continually implement best practices that reduce operational emissions and resource consumption while creating a campus that is accessible, safe and enjoyable for all,” said Julie Lyons Bricker, Oakland County’s sustainability manager.
This third year of tree planting began in late April and includes a diverse mix of native evergreen, deciduous shade and flowering trees throughout the campus. Several new apple trees will be added to the orchard near the Oakland County Farmers Market. All trees are planted using the International Society of Arboriculture guidelines to ensure healthy root growth and long-term vitality.
“Proper planting techniques are essential to ensure that the trees thrive,” said Mark Baldwin, chief of landscape services. “Healthy trees purify our air, cool our surroundings and increase biodiversity which is a smart investment for generations to come.”
In addition to fleet and landscaping improvements, new landscaping around the Executive Office Building is now completely herbicide- and pesticide-free, further promoting a sustainable and biodiverse environment.
The county’s fleet of more than 900 vehicles accounts for about 16 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, Oakland County has introduced 12 electric vehicles and three hybrids, replaces vehicles every six years - well ahead of the national average - and implements rigorous maintenance practices like regular wheel alignments to improve fuel efficiency.
Oakland County buildings, which span nearly 2 million square feet, contribute to 76 percent of operational greenhouse gas emissions. A collaboration between Facilities Management and the Office of Sustainability is driving improvements in energy efficiency, building decarbonization and renewable energy installation.
Oakland County’s environmental sustainability initiatives reflect a long-term commitment to innovation, climate resilience, and the well-being of residents and employees alike.
For more information about Oakland County’s sustainability initiatives, visit oakgov.com/community/sustainability.