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 WMU adopts cradle-to-cradle
thinking with facilities
What will Western Michigan University look like in 60 years? That is the question university officials, architects and the construction team are looking to answer as the north portion of Sangren Hall comes crumbling down. Planning for the $68 million building is being done through a long lens - looking ahead to the operations, maintenance and the eventual demolition of the building, a process known as “total cost of ownership.” Total cost of ownership (TCO) is a way for building owners to take into account all of the costs associated with a building throughout its lifecycle. “Total cost of ownership is not really a new trend, though it is gaining a lot of ground. It's really just an extension of LEED,” said WMU’s Peter Strazdas. Read More»
Winds of change blow strange
(OK, so we like the 80s band The Scorpions. We’ll admit it. – The Eds.)
The gales of the current recession make for a strong headwind in the alternative energy industry, particularly wind power. U.S. wind installations in 2009 outpaced all previous years, but 2010 is shaping up to be a downer, according to industry reports. “The recession has been a real drag. It’s ripped the guts out of this industry,” said Loch McCabe, president of Shepherd Advisors, an Ann Arbor-based consultancy focused on the commercialization of clean energy technology. But even with strong headwinds, the industry continues to grow on a global basis. “(A)nother good sign is that the OEMs, which primarily aren’t U.S. companies, continue to build plants here. That's hundreds of millions of dollars in investment. When you build here, you say you're going to be in this for the long run,” he said, noting that the economy has slowed the companies from growing their domestic supplier list. Read More»
Energy funds went unspent
An audit has found that just over 8 percent of the stimulus funds earmarked for the Energy Department have been spent, as of the first of August, the New York Times reports. That means a considerable portion of the $3.2 billion economic kick-start is being left on the table. Read More»
Christman Co. HQ world’s first
LEED double platinum
Construction manager The Christman Co.’s headquarters in East Lansing is a distinguished LEEDer. The facility, an 82-year-old structure, was named the world’s first double platinum LEED certified building. The company has a West Michigan presence with an office and several completed projects in Grand Rapids. Read More»
Mr. Great Lakes blog
Shut down the USPS?
Environmental journalist and blogger Jeff Kart, formerly of the Bay City Times, is skeptical of a plan to increase recycling opportunities at local U.S. Postal Service offices. “This stinks of an antiquated government agency grasping at straws to stay alive. Every time I turn around they raise the prices of stamps. Hint: Because people don’t use the mail as much anymore. E-mail, social networking, cell phones, have replaced the need for shipping paper across long distances.” Read More»
Event reminder
- GreenTown will join the city of Grand Rapids and the U.S. Green Building Council West Michigan Chapter to bring Future Cities: Climate Strategies for Sustainable Communities to town on September 9-10, 2010. More info: www.greentownconference.com
- The Northwest Michigan Sustainable Business Forum will hold a workshop on September 16th at 8:30 a.m. at the Michigan Works! Office Conference Room in Traverse City. Marc McKellar will be speaking about the Michigan Saves and the Save Green Loan programs, and additional speakers will be on hand from professional energy efficiency services and products businesses such as HVAC high-energy products, energy efficiency audits and electrical contractors that install commercial and residential energy efficient systems. Register for the free workshop by Tuesday, Sept. 14th by contacting Patty O’Donnell at 231-929-5039.
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Sustainable Community Development Initiative (SCDI) – Project Coordinator
Represent GVSU’s sustainable development programs and projects to the university and its colleges. Research, analyze, develop, implement and promote campus sustainable development best practices. Visit www.gvsujobs.org for the full job description. Salary range: $40,000 - $45,000. Apply online at www.gvsujobs.org and include a cover letter, resume and references. The online system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you need assistance or have questions, call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.
Grand Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution.
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 Sustainability
Events
August 24, 2010
Green Drinks Kalamazoo
5:00 PM - Kalamazoo
August 26, 2010
Battle Creek Green Drinks
5:30 PM - Battle Creek
September 1, 2010
Muskegon Green Drinks
5:00 PM - Muskegon
September 2, 2010
Holland Green Drinks
5:30 PM - Holland
September 10, 2010
GreenTown: The Future of Community
5:30 PM - Grand Rapids
September 10, 2010
Green Buildings of West Michigan Tour
Various times - West Michigan
September 12, 2010
Healing Our Waters® - Great Lakes Coalition 5th Annual Great Lakes Restoration Conference
All Day - Mackinaw City
September 13, 2010
Renewable Energy or Energy Efficiency Project Grants and Loans
12 PM - Muskegon
September 15, 2010
Sunset Coast Green Drinks
5:30 PM - Location Varies
September 16, 2010
MI Saves and the Save Green Loan Programs
8:30 AM - Traverse City
September 16, 2010
Green Drinks Grand Rapids
5:00 PM - Grand Rapids
September 23, 2010
Battle Creek Green Drinks
5:30 PM - Grand Rapids
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