A2ZERO Tenant Resources
CavCo Management is proud to align with the City of Ann Arbor’s A2ZERO Sustainability Plan, a community-wide commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Ann Arbor has declared a climate emergency and adopted ambitious strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen neighborhood resilience.
As part of this shared mission, we encourage our residents to join us in adopting everyday practices that conserve energy, reduce waste, and support a healthier, more sustainable community. Together, we can protect Ann Arbor’s natural features, make better use of existing infrastructure, and contribute to a greener future for our city.
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One of the easiest ways residents can support A2ZERO is by using energy wisely at home. Simple actions—such as turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging unused chargers, keeping windows closed while heating or cooling is running, and reporting drafts or comfort issues—can improve apartment comfort while reducing energy use.
The City of Ann Arbor also offers free tools, guidance, and short instructional videos through its Green Light YouTube playlist to help residents save energy and lower monthly bills. Small daily habits add up, helping create a cleaner, healthier community for everyone.
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Food-waste reduction is a key focus of A2ZERO and an easy way for residents to make a positive impact. Planning meals before shopping, storing food properly, and using leftovers instead of discarding them helps reduce waste, saves money, and keeps our community cleaner.
Ann Arbor provides programs and practical tips to make food-waste prevention simple and accessible. By being mindful in the kitchen, residents of CavCo-managed properties can play a meaningful role in supporting a more sustainable, carbon-neutral Ann Arbor.
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Proper waste sorting is essential to reducing landfill use and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Residents are encouraged to recycle correctly and keep compostable materials out of the trash whenever possible.
For residents who do not have curbside compost service, Ann Arbor offers convenient compost drop-off options, including the Ellsworth Road Drop-Off Station and the city’s composting facility on Platt Road. These locations accept food scraps, yard waste, and other approved materials, making it easy to participate in the city’s sustainability goals without a personal compost cart.
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A2ZERO encourages renters to participate in brief, practical sustainability education designed specifically for apartment living.
The City’s Green Light YouTube playlist highlights simple ways to save energy, reduce waste, and improve comfort at home while supporting Ann Arbor’s broader climate goals.
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Choosing locally grown and sustainably produced food helps reduce transportation emissions and supports regional farmers. Residents can shop at nearby farmers markets, local grocers, and neighborhood farm stands, or participate in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program for regular deliveries of seasonal produce.
Popular local options include the Ann Arbor Farmers Market and regional CSA delivery services serving the Ann Arbor area.
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In support of Ann Arbor’s commitment to healthier, low-carbon living, CavCo Management maintains and allows practices that promote clean air and reduced energy use:
No smoking is permitted inside residential units, supporting indoor air quality
Window films are allowed to improve comfort and reduce heat loss or gain
Outdoor line drying is permitted as a low-energy alternative to machine drying
Together, these practices help create safer, more comfortable homes while supporting Ann Arbor’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.
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As part of Ann Arbor’s A2ZERO commitment to creating a low‑carbon, healthy community, tenants are encouraged to explore simple, sustainable cooking habits at home. At CavCo Management, we offer links to helpful YouTube videos that make it easy to learn new techniques, reduce food waste, and cook with ingredients that support a more sustainable food system. By following along, tenants can enjoy delicious meals while contributing to Ann Arbor’s carbon‑neutrality goals.
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Tenants may securely lock bicycles in a designated exterior area at the rear of the building.
Tenants may subscribe to an optional farm-share or CSA delivery service.
A shared micromobility program, including bicycles, is available to tenants at no cost and is managed by CavCo.
Tenants may install their own appliances, subject to standard building guidelines.
With written approval, tenants may install energy-saving window improvements within their unit.
Tenants may garden on site with prior written approval from CavCo.
Rent is paid electronically, with alternative payment methods available upon request.
Standard tools and gardening containers are available for tenant use, subject to execution of a standard liability waiver and proof of liability insurance.
Tenants may install weatherstripping on windows and doors, provided the work is completed in a professional manner.
If tenants are responsible for snow removal and/or lawn care, such work must be performed using electric or manual equipment only.
With landlord approval, any painting performed by tenants must use no- or low-VOC paints.
Tenants may perform air-sealing improvements themselves or retain a qualified contractor.