Ford House and Sustainability
At Ford House, sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a mission. We’re rolling up our sleeves and tackling some of today’s most urgent environmental challenges head-on. From reducing waste and cutting carbon emissions to conserving resources and engaging our team, every initiative is designed to drive real, lasting impact.
Here’s how we’re making a difference:
We’re reimagining waste—turning potential landfill into opportunity:
Recycling That Works: Our all-campus recycling program ensures materials are sorted and processed correctly.
Hard-to-Recycle Heroics: Partnering with TerraCycle, we recycle tricky items like used gloves and specialty plastics.
Hydration Stations: Water refill stations help eliminate single-use bottles at the Administration and Visitor Center.
Food Rescue Partnerships: Surplus food is diverted from landfills and into the hands of people who need it.
We’re committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions through smarter energy solutions:
Solar Power On Site: Installed panels harness renewable energy to power our operations.
Geothermal Heating & Cooling: A sustainable HVAC system keeps buildings comfortable with less environmental impact.
EV Charging Stations: Available to staff and guests, encouraging a shift to electric vehicles.
Smart Shades & LED Lighting: Energy-saving tech reduces our reliance on artificial lighting.
Electric Landscaping Equipment: We’ve swapped some gas-powered tools for clean, quiet electric alternatives.
We’re conserving natural resources while enhancing our ecological footprint:
Native Landscaping: Native plant programs minimize water use and support biodiversity.
Upcycled Furniture: Fallen trees are turned into handcrafted pieces for our café, store, and staff spaces.
Bioswales & Retention Ponds: Stormwater is managed naturally to prevent runoff pollution.
Composting in the Garden: Yard waste becomes nutrient-rich compost instead of landfill filler.
Water-Smart Irrigation: We use non-potable water for landscaping to preserve fresh water.
Bird-Safe Design: Special glass in new buildings helps prevent bird collisions.
Sustainability is part of our culture—and our staff leads the way:
BYO Culture: Employees are encouraged to bring reusable mugs, bottles, and bags.
Campus Bikes: On-site bikes reduce car trips and keep us moving sustainably.
Hands-On Engagement: Staff is encouraged to engage and grow their knowledge/awareness through committees and anonymous forums.
On-Site Gardens: Our greenhouse and herb garden produce fresh food for our staff.
Sustainability guides how we operate—down to the smallest detail:
Digital Membership Cards: Less plastic, less waste—just the same great member benefits.
Eco-Friendly Onboarding: Every new employee learns how to be a sustainability steward.
Green Cleaning: Natural cleaning products like vinegar and water keep our spaces spotless and chemical-free.
Local Love: Our shop supports Michigan-based makers to reduce carbon emissions and boost the local economy.
Energy-Efficient Offices: Shared printers and laptops reduce energy use across departments.
Sustainability is more than a checklist—it’s a commitment. At Ford House, we believe that meaningful change happens one smart decision at a time. By reducing waste, embracing clean energy, and putting people and the planet first, we’re building a greener tomorrow—right here, right now.
Join us. Be inspired. Take action.
At Ford House, Sustainability Coordinator Alexis K. Armstrong is leading efforts to blend historic preservation with forward-thinking environmental practices—from digital ticketing and shoreline restoration to community education and circular economy strategies—proving that even historic estates can be leaders in Michigan’s green future.
Ford House, the historic residence of Eleanor and Edsel Ford, proudly announces its reception of the esteemed 2024 Pure Award, recognizing its exceptional commitment to sustainability initiatives. Bestowed by Michigan Cares for Tourism, the Pure Award celebrates organizations within Michigan that exhibit exemplary natural, cultural, and heritage stewardship practices as part of their daily operations.
Ford House President and CEO, Mark Heppner and Landscape and Natural Areas Manager Kevin Drotos, speak on the progress made so far on the Ford Cove Shoreline and Coastal Wetland Restoration project and the Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grant will provide Ford House with up to $7 million to support the restoration.
The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and National Historic Landmark located in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, is the recipient of a Federal grant from NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Michigan Historic Preservation Network awarded Ford House the Michigan Historic Preservation Network 2023 Cultural Landscape Award for the work completed on restoring the pool and lagoon on the estate. The award was issued at the Annual Preservation Awards Reception and Ceremony that took place on Friday, May 12, at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island.
Our Visitor Center and Administration Building have earned a National Recognition Award in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) 2023 Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) competition—the “Academy Awards of the engineering industry.” The National Recognition Award is a prestigious distinction honoring projects demonstrating exceptional engineering excellence at the national level.
As you pick up your favorite Thai carryout or sit down with friends at the local burger joint, have you ever wondered “What happens to all the food that goes uneaten at restaurants?”
Staff and architects have finished restoring the swimming pool, lagoon and surrounding landscape of the historic estate.
At Ford House, our new state-of-the-art Visitor Center and Administration Buildings go beyond enhancing the experience of our visitors. The buildings were designed to be net-zero energy to promote sustainability and preserve our surrounding natural ecosystem.
Ford House won a Michigan Award from Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc. at their Awards Ceremony at the Crowne Plaza West in Lansing. KMB’s objective is to identify, recognize and honor programs or projects that involve beautification, litter prevention and control, recycling of waste materials, clean-up, site restoration, and historical preservation.
Ford House is in the process of restoring one of the most pivotal features on the estate: the Jens Jensen designed pool and lagoon. We’re making a splash and diving right in—literally!
For the initial phase of the Ford Cove Shoreline and Coastal Wetland Restoration Project, Ford House will complete a feasibility study, gather public input, and create a concept for restoration in partnership with Great Lakes Commission (GLC) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Ford House, the historic estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford, is teaming up with the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for a project to restore disappearing wildlife habitats along the shoreline of Ford Cove on Lake St. Clair — part of Michigan’s Great Lakes waterway. Dubbed the Ford Cove Shoreline and Coastal Wetland Restoration Project, the goal is to transform Ford House’s lakeshore back to its natural state.
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An annual Friends of Ford House membership is a great way to enjoy all that Ford House has to offer! Enjoy discounted tickets, pre-sale access, exclusive events, and more.
Ford House is grateful for the generous support of Ford Motor Company Fund and helping us fulfill our educational mission and making Ford House more accessible to our community.
Ford House is a 501c3 nonprofit and National Historic Landmark. Experience the historic family home of Edsel Ford, the only son of Henry Ford, and his wife, Eleanor. Visitors from all over the world come to wander, wonder, and explore the beauty of this 1928 National Historic Landmark and uncover a unique piece of the American automotive story in metro Detroit. Learn more below.
