The U.S. Green Building Council – USGBC hosted the first Regional Sustainable Conference at the Human Ecology Building at Michigan State University on April 5-7, 2013.
Anthony Offak, USGBC Students National Chair – Region 7: IN, MI, OH, Architect at Albert Kahn Associates conveyed that the overall message of the conference is to open up dialogues, new thoughts, and shared experiences. USGBC students would like you to remember, whether it is your career, your campus, or your community, “sustainability begins with you!”
The three day conference began on the evening of April 5 with two sustainable movies: HOME and Carbon Nation. On Saturday, April 6, 2013 the Keynote Speaker was Matt Grocoff, LEED-GA and Principal, THRIVE Net Zero Collaborative. Matt provided insight on restorative design, net zero energy and his Mission Zero goal for every building in America to harvest its own energy and water, create zero waste, and achieve restorative status.
Sessions were arranged within two tracks. Track 1 focused on LEED subject-matter with one session presented by John DeAngelis and Kaitlyn Aholt from USGBC Students, Aquinas College. John and Kaitlyn presented how the USGBC Students at Aquinas College led a green initiative of ‘Zero Waste’ achieving a $600 a month savings in the college’s cost for waste removal. Track 2 provided opportunity for students and emerging professionals to learn about techniques on professional development as well as students obtaining portfolio and resume reviews by USGBC Emerging Professionals and Chapter members.
Jessica Letaw, Master of Architecture Candidate, 2013 states, “The agenda that Anthony and USGBC put together for the conference was impressive, and I really appreciated the two tracks to keep both continuing students and practicing professionals engaged.” She was impressed with how smoothly the event was coordinated and is looking forward to attending the Second Annual USGBC Students- Region 7 Conference and achieving experiencing valuable networking opportunities.
At the ‘Dinner Presentation and USGBC Students Awards Banquet’ all participants enjoyed the program. The conference ended on Sunday, April 7, 2013 with a walking tour of MSU campus, highlighting sustainable related buildings, items, and processes. Students from Penn State University, Indiana University, Perdue University, Wayne State University, Lansing Community College, Eastern Michigan University, Lawrence Technological University, University of Michigan, and Michigan State University attended the event. Amelia Richards, USGBC Students-MSU President felt the conference was successful; bringing students and professionals together to discuss topics such as energy-use, water, and sustainable practices within universities and the greater community.
Want to get involved? Below are a few opportunities:
Get your LEED Green Associates, 1 day training in Southfield, http://www.alliancees.org/education-and-events/leed-ga-core-concepts-strategies-detroit/;
Understanding LEED for Homes, 8 hour course taught by a person who lives in an actual LEED home, http://www.alliancees.org/education-and-events/homes-252-understanding-leed-for-homes-detroit/
Watch this 2 hour video series documenting a Michigan LEED Platinum Home from start to finish, Worth 2 GBCQ LEED specific Continuing Education credits, http://www.alliancees.org/2013/04/08/video-series-pobst-residence-leed-platinum-2-gbci-leed-specific/
Review a $10K MSU Study done on LEED for Homes Post Occupancy Research, http://www.alliancees.org/education-and-events/leed-post-occupancy-for-homes-msu-study-free-webinar/
Work with your local Habitat for Humanity on a LEED Green Home & Volunteer, Contact EverBuild Pro Today, http://www.everbuildpro.com/skroller.html
Author: Michelle Abd’Elaziz, Reporter on Urban Planning, representing GreeningDetroit.com
