Anyone interested in improving Southeast Michigan's economy through increased investment in sustainable practices, green architecture and alternative energy will be busy over April 24 and 25. There are a trio of conferences being held that are each very relevant and credible and important…and I'm sure that I'm not the only one out there who wishes they were spaced out a bit more!
(1)
The IHM Motherhouse in Monroe has long been known as one of the first – and best – local examples of green building. The campus' land stewardship practices, geothermal and heat recovery heating and cooling system and water conservation activities, to name just a few of its green features, make it the ideal location to host the Midwest Green Building Conference, which will take place April 24 and 25.
A few of the highlights include:
-A tour of the Motherhouse each morning at 9:30 a.m.;
-Keynote addresses from Terry Gips, president of the Alliance for Sustainability and Norm Strong, FAIA, vice-president of AIA;
-Technical workshops such as, "How to Achieve LEED Gold," "Going Green, Saving Green," "Marketing Green Buildings," "Construction Waste Recycling" and "Geothermal Systems;" and Green Advantage Training, a certification program for the building trades.
A full schedule, cost information and registration are available at the IHM website.
(2)
April 24, Wind Powering America and the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative are holding a forum, "Wind Energy and Economic Development" in East Lansing.
The day will begin with the NWCC's 38th business meeting from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
From 1 - 2 p.m., General Electric's Larry Wiley will speak to the opportunities and challenges of wind energy production. This portion of the program will be webcast.
Finally, from 2 – 5 p.m., panels on manufacturing, rural development and stakeholder perspectives will be held, all with the goal of growing the domestic wind energy industry in both the Great Lakes region and around the country.
Location information and a complete agenda are available here. The event is free, but attendees are asked to register for the NWCC meeting here and the afternoon forum here.
(3)
Finally, in Lansing on April 25, the Sustainable Business Forum of Southeast Michigan will host a conference entitled "Michigan Business: Survive or Thrive?" Metromode's full article on the organization and the event can be found here.
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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