The City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations is announcing the third annual Home Electrification Expo Friday, Aug. 2, 5–8 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St. Expo attendees can learn about the newest technology available to help create healthy, clean, efficient homes that reduce reliance on burning fossil fuels. Industry experts (including the A2ZERO Home Energy Advisors) will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the latest tech, and innovative technology for home electrification will be on display, including live demonstrations of induction cooktops, heat-pumps for heating/cooling homes and water, and electric yard equipment, among many other demonstrations.
Attendees can enjoy food trucks, ice cream, live music and prize drawings that include a free heat pump water heater from Richmond Water Heaters and Haley Mechanical, free all-electric lawn care services from the Electric Lawn Co, an induction cook plate with cookware, a portable solar and battery system and more.
New this year, the expo will also be hosting a walk-up electronics take-back event on site for residents to bring computers, monitors and other electronic devices under 50 pounds to be collected for reuse, refurbishment and recycling, depending on condition. According to the World Health Organization, electronics are the world’s fastest growing waste stream, with proper recycling and disposal being crucial to environmental and human health.
This event also offers an opportunity for residents to get involved in Ann Arbor’s A2ZERO carbon neutrality plan by implementing Strategy 2 — Switching our Appliances and Vehicles from Gasoline, Diesel, Propane, Coal and Natural Gas to Electric — in their everyday lives. Over 25% of greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to fossil gas used for heating space and water, as well as cooking. Burning fossil fuels to power these appliances releases pollutants both inside the home and out into the community. Electrification can eliminate these emissions and preempt the harmful environmental and health effects of this pollution. Through electrification, homes can become an agent of true public health improvements, creating healthier communities from the inside-out.
Community members can register to get event updates, and then attend the Home Electrification Expo Friday, Aug. 2. The event is free and open to the public, with benefits for homeowners, renters and building professionals alike. For more information on home electrification, visit the A2ZERO electrification website. And to learn more about the city’s sustainability work and how to get involved, see www.a2zero.org.
