'LEEDING' the Way in Michigan
Why Green? Moving Michigan forward involves capitalizing on our intellectual knowledge in renewable fuels and alternative energy sources as well as ‘LEEDing’ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by example. Leading by example helps attract clean tech and renewable energy companies and angel investors to Michigan. The rising costs of energy have contributed greatly to an increase in the demand for energy-efficient technology. Currently, the state spends an estimated $22 billion on foreign oil annually. Utilizing renewable energy sources helps to reduce our reliance on foreign oil and conserve energy. Research indicates that LEEDTM buildings consume significantly less purchased energy than conventional buildings.* (See Green Building) Energy efficiency helps to save money over a period of time, thereby creating more disposable income for Michigan businesses and residents. The most significant benefit of green technology is improved worker productivity and health.* By improving the air quality, employers help to reduce lost time while also focusing on the safety and health of employees and the public. The Michigan Connection As a state, Michigan is a leader in ‘green building.’ There are 192 LEED projects in Michigan, of which 36 are LEED-certified. This places Michigan in the top 10 states with registered green buildings. West Michigan leads the nation in the number of LEED-certified projects with the city of Grand Rapids boasting the most LEED-certified buildings. Grand Rapids is a lesson in utilizing sustainability to build strong economies by properly harvesting local ecologies. (See Grand Rapids) With the help of experts such as developer Guy Bazzani, the city has received numerous awards and accolades for projects that involve innovative green technologies, respect for the environment and historic preservation. Michigan is also home to NextEnergy, a nonprofit organization developed to advance alternative energy technology research and development. The center focuses on technologies ranging from hybrid vehicles, to fuel cells to solar and wind energy. NextEnergy has been instrumental in bringing AET companies to Michigan as well as helping to develop world-class curriculum resources establishing Michigan’s colleges and universities as national leaders in AET education. (See University/College Connection) The Bottom-Line No matter how you view it, going green helps save money. Green technology helps balance economic viability, social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
(*As reported in Building Green for the Future: Case Studies of Sustainable Development in Michigan.)
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In This Issue |
Can we be good stewards of our environment, while pursuing economic growth? Yes! Environmental efficiency and economic development are not independent but interconnected. Michigan’s three major industries, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism, are tied to the environment. Our success in agriculture and tourism are heavily dependent upon and directly related to having clean land, air and water (See