Annual Report 2022

U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan

2022 Annual Report

"Our mission is to educate and advocate for sustainable, transformational design and operation of buildings. All while raising up our community with health and vitality at the forefront."

Introducing Keynote:

Jeremy Orr

Director of Litigation and Advocacy Partnerships, Earthjustice

A message from the Executive Director:

dear friends, members, and supporters,

There are many things to celebrate as we wrap up 2022 and look forward to 2023. I continue to feel energized by the progress of our community. West Michigan provides a diverse landscape rich in culture and in people. From urban cities to rural areas, our resilience is being tested by a changing climate, but the opportunities to adapt and flourish are attainable and practical. The built environment is an integral part of our everyday lifestyle. Providing more than simply shelter and climate control, buildings tell a story of our cultural history while giving people a sense of place and connection. Many of us raise our families, educate our children, and earn our living inside buildings. How we build and operate those structures is important to the health of the occupants and community.

Our built environment should be a conduit to our wellness and vitality. In most cases, an employer's largest operating cost is its people. Investing in those people by providing them with an indoor environment that is safe, comfortable, and inspiring is a key way to attract and retain a flourishing workforce.

The U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan (USGBM-WM) works to educate and advocate for sustainable, transformational design and operation of buildings. All while raising up our community with health and vitality at the forefront.

Through programs and projects such as the Michigan Battle of the Buildings, Grand Rapids 2030 District, E.H.Zero, Drawdown Michigan, Students for Sustainable Design, The Energy Assistance Program, and building certification systems like LEED, Living Building Challenge, Energy Star, and Passive House our community is able to monitor, quantify and gauge success toward individual and community-wide goals.

As I look to my 8th year as Executive Director of the USGBC-WM, I am proud and honored to work toward a future where our built environment is harmonious with our most valuable asset - people. At the USGBC-WM we are committed to providing tools and resources that lead us to the future we deserve. One that is not only sustainable but thrives for all people and creatures that inhabit our planet.

In Partnership,

Cheri Holman

usgbc west michigan is your advocate to promote community vibrancy.

Our mission is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, in a way that improves the quality of life in West Michigan. The organization accomplishes its mission through education, advocacy, programs, and competitions including the Grand Rapids 2030 District, Michigan Battle of the Buildings, Drawdown Michigan, the E.H.Zero Initiative, and other educational webinars and resources provided on our website.