The first of the ZNE Series took place on February 20th, 2018. During this session, we heard from E3M Solutions, FTC&H, as well as TowerPinker with the Michigan Energy Office, moderating on the in's and out's of building audits. 

The second session in the ZNE series took place on March 13th, 2018. During this session, we heard from a panel of experts on how and why managing existing systems is sometimes smarter than replacing them.

On May 23rd, the City of Grand Rapids presented a policy roadmap for the Zero Cities Project. This project is a collaboration of the GR2030 District, the City, and Consumers Energy, in which tools & resources will be offered for deep carbon reduction in Grand Rapids. 

On June 27th, 2018, U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan hosted a green building certification info session at GRCC's Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC center. This event included a summary of certifications WELL, LEED v4.1, Parksmart, Passive House, Zero Net Energy, and Living Building Challenge.

On July 11th, The Grand Rapids 2030 District hosted this lunch & learn at Harmony Hall. During this session, participants will learn to calculate key financial equations and portray the value to upper management. Net Present Value, Savings to Investment Ratio, Internal Rate of Return, & Payback calculations were broken down.

During this session, the audience was presented with three interactive clean energy maps. These pinpointed renewable energy and energy efficiency businesses, clean energy infrastructure and areas with high potential for renewable development across Michigan, developed by Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2). Srinergy presented a solar power case study. Consumers Energy also talked about the process of integrating…

In this session, we learned that there are many options when considering how to fund your energy efficiency project. We explored how you can reduce your payback period using the Michigan utility incentive programs through DTE Energy & Consumers Energy and using available financing options that result in positive cash flow with Lean & Green…

At this Lunch & Learn we heard from an LBC ambassador, Matthew VanSweden as he describes the steps to LBC certification. This session will give the audience a clear understanding of the commitment to operate a high performing building (or home) that is guaranteed to tread lightly on its surroundings. 

During the 1st quarter of 2019 the USGBC West Michigan Chapter, the USGBC Detroit Region, and DTE teamed up, along with several guest speakers, to present “It Pays to Build Beyond Code” lunch and learn events across Michigan.

Sustainable SITES Initiative is the most comprehensive system for creating sustainable and resilient land development projects. It is used by landscape architects, designers, engineers, planners, ecologists, architects, developers, policy-makers and others to align land development and management with innovative sustainable design. At this Lunch & Learn, Ryan Musch of Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber discussed…