Detroit Climate Action Collaborative (DCAC) is an initiative of Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice (DWEJ), the oldest environmental justice organization in Michigan. We invite you to attend the DCAC Business and Institution Sustainability Summit on Monday, June 15, 2015, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at McGregor Memorial Conference Center (Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan). This summit is a great opportunity for businesses and institutions to learn from experts about sustainable practices to reduce costs, improve operations and profits, and create investment opportunities. Participants will also have the opportunity to provide feedback on what climate action planning needs to include for businesses and institutions in Detroit.
We are honored to have such distinguished speakers for this event. Valerie Brader, Director, Michigan Agency for Energy (State of Michigan) will serve as our opening plenary keynote speaker and John Viera, Global Director of Sustainability, Ford Motor Company, as our luncheon keynote.
In 2011, DWEJ convened several key stakeholders to address the potentially devastating impacts of climate change in Detroit. Four years later, DCAC, born of that convening, now brings to the table representatives from environmental, community, governmental, scientific, academic, health, business, and other sectors—all aware that the way to address the imminent threat of climate change MUST enable Metro-Detroit organizations to play a more direct role in developing solutions and policy recommendations.
There are compelling business reasons to act now. The purpose of the Summit is to:
• Engage business leaders across Metro-Detroit in discussions about how to address climate change,
• Develop innovative solutions to reduce each business’s carbon footprint and energy cost
• Hear your thoughts on the DCAC Business and Institution Framework, developed by leaders throughout Metropolitan Detroit. The Framework outlines mitigation (efforts to reduce or prevent emission of greenhouse gases) and adaptation (actions taken/considered to cope with changing climate) goals, as well as short- and long-term action steps and ways to protect those that are most vulnerable.
The members of the Business & Institution Working Group and I hope that you can join us in our efforts to make Detroit a global leader in reducing carbon emissions and improving the quality of life for all, even in the face of climate and other challenges. On Tuesday, June 16th from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., we will host a Sustainability Business Tour. This is a fantastic opportunity to visit the sites and green businesses that highlight the challenges and opportunities that continue to put Detroit in the spotlight. Detroit is home to many innovative projects and businesses that are both sustainable and good for business. You will have the chance to learn about those projects in-person and hear from the people that have made it possible, and made it work for them. Solar panels are just the beginning! Stay tuned for more information!!
To register for the Summit and Sustainability Business Tour, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/BusinessInstSummit
If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Hill Knott, DCAC Project Director, at (313) 833-3935 ext.41 or via email at kimberly@dwej.org. We look forward to your participation in this exciting and historic event.
Source: DCAC