Mike Keen, director of the Center for a Sustainable Future, Indiana University South Bend

By Phil D’Amico, director of business growth, The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County

Mike Keen is a professor of sociology at Indiana University South Bend as well as director of IU South Bend’s Center for a Sustainable Future. He also has served as a co-chair for South Bend Mayor Stephen J. Luecke’s Green Ribbon Commission. Mike is well-known and respected for his work and knowledge in the area of green initiatives and sustainable practices. I recently sat down with Mike to discuss the latest and greatest in how to build “green” and sustainable cities.

Mike Keen, director of the Center for a Sustainable Future and professor of sociology at IUSB

Q: Mike, we have been keeping you very busy. I am sure you are anything but bored, right?

A: It has been crazy, but in a good way. We have so much going on at the center and in our community, but they are all good and exciting things.

Q: How would you describe South Bend as a community?

A: South Bend is a city with urban energy, but yet has a small-town feel. This is important because we can be more creative, in a shorter amount of time. We have the ability to react quickly to innovative and creative practices that will help us become a “cooler” and “greener” city.

Q: Where do you see people migrating to and residing in the next 10 to 15 years?

A: We’re seeing that those areas with major research and development institutions are becoming attractive places for people to live. So, the fact that our community has several key and good colleges and universities will only help us attract and retain people who want to live here. Obviously, with that comes the need to make sure we have quality of life initiatives that will be a positive for new leaders, as well as young professionals.

Q: Where does the United States stand as it relates to the rest of the world in sustainable practices? Also, where does Indiana rank compared to the rest of the United States, and finally, where does South Bend rank compared to other cities in the state?

A: Wow, they are all very good questions. I believe the United States is behind many other parts of the world. Europe — specifically Denmark, Germany and Sweden — has been a leader in sustainable practices for a long while. Indiana is fairly well-known for being a bit behind the rest of the country, although our state is positioned nicely to improve and grow rapidly in the area of “green” technologies and practices over the next few years. I think there is still a stigma that Indiana is still predominantly strong in coal. Meanwhile, South Bend has been ahead of the curve in some areas relative to the rest of the state and behind in other areas. I too believe we are gaining momentum in this area because we now have several key leaders that are taking proactive roles in making a difference in this area. South Bend has actually received major statewide recognition for many of our “cool” practices that we have rolled out.

Q: Where do you see the biggest opportunities for South Bend to become more proactive in sustainable practices?

A: What is really interesting is that most cities can realize 20 percent or more energy savings and efficiencies in just looking at energy conservation. You don’t need a “wiz bang” strategy to look at just becoming more energy-efficient. We have already started that with switching light bulbs to more energy-efficient ones, looking at our power issues, and water overflow systems. People don’t realize what a wonderful resource the river can be for hydro energy. That can play a huge role in power supply moving forward. Most major cities that sit on a waterway utilize the water source for power. So I would ask the question, ‘Why can’t South Bend utilize the St. Joe River for a major hydro power source?’

Q: So, what does a sustainable city look like?

A: Well, there are several factors that add or lead to a creative, green and sustainable city. You have to create these so called, “vibrant blocks,” which contain walkable, energy-driven downtowns, with vibrant storefronts, bike paths, urban transportation systems, pedestrian-friendly connectivity to other parts of the city, green spaces, energy efficiency and quality of life initiatives that are attractive to young professionals. Also, a sustainable city requires a variety of housing options that will attract more people to downtown living.

Q: Where does education fall in the whole scheme of growing your city to be a “cooler,” “greener,” community?

A: Phil, education is one of the main keys to transformation process. Look at some of the cities where we have seen urban remigration. Where we have seen great success are those cities where education has been a critical component to success and specifically the local K-12 school systems are vital. The other critical issue besides having an available educated workforce is to then create enough jobs that will cover the full range of the workforce and for the innovative technologies that come about through the growth process. A great example of this is the Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, area. They have done and seen the right kinds of growth behind a successful K-12 school system in place. And then an important next step is developing a secondary school system partnership with a major R&D institution, like the University of Illinois, supporting the new types of technologies and entrepreneur start-ups. Also, educating the public is a critical factor as well.

Q: So what do you see in the future for South Bend?

A: I think the development at Eddy Street Commons is more of what we will see. The challenge will be to connect Eddy Street Commons with the downtown. I certainly see new housing interests start to grow, coupled with more pedestrian-friendly walkways and bike paths. I also see connecting educational partnerships more with the University of Notre Dame, IUSB, Bethel College and Ivy Tech all playing a role in recreating an urban experience. I believe in the next 18 to 24 months you will start to see more hybrid cars, and downtown battery-charging stations supporting the electric car industry as they continue to lower their price per vehicle. Last but not least, I see a continued focus on looking at ways to be more energy-efficient, as well as a community that embraces new and creative ways to develop a sustainable city.

Q: Sounds like you will be a busy person.

A: I love it. This is what excites me, is to see the future and the potential for South Bend to be an incredibly exciting and vibrant community: one that resembles so many of the other “cool” cities in our county. I think the city of South Bend has unlimited and untapped potential. This is the best time to be a resident of South Bend.