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Two pre-conference workshops were held Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at the DeVos Center at Grand Valley State University in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Greening the Campus: How Educational Institutions Combat Climate Issues

Join the signatories of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment to discuss climate change and share strategies for integrating sustainability into curriculum and operations to achieve climate neutrality.

Grand Valley State University Assistant Vice President of Facilities Planning James Moyer, LEED AP, and Integrated Architecture Vice President of Design Mike Corby, LEED AP, AIA, shared their efforts to combat global warming through manipulation of the built environment. Moyer offers a pragmatic cost / budget / benefit approach while Corby transcends the status quo with innovative design. The combination results in cost-effective, sustainable and human-centered venues that support learning and living.

Additional topics included:

• How Grand Valley State University is Implementing the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)
• LEED Principles: Balancing Pragmatism and Innovation
• Implementing the Commitment: Challenges and Opportunities

Speakers included:

• Norman Christopher, Director of Sustainability, GVSU
• James Moyer, LEED AP, Assistant Vice President of Facilities Planning, GVSU
• Mike Corby, LEED AP, AIA, Vice President of Design, Integrated Architecture
• Michelle Dyer, Vice President, Second Nature

Co-produced by a5 and Seven Generations Ahead on behalf of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.

Greening the K-12 School System

Become a part of the effort to integrate sustainability and ‘green education’ into your local education system. Greening schools doesn't have to cost money - you can go green and save green at the same time. Learn how one school is saving money through zero waste strategies that include source reduction, recycling and composting. Discover how schools are saving thousands of dollars through energy efficiency, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving natural resources and educating the next generation to be energy smart. Learn from school case studies on greening your building and grounds utilizing LEED standards. Meet people in your area who can help you succeed and provide assistance. Engage with others to create a sample green action plan to get you started on your path to greening your school on a budget!

Additional topics included:

• Holmes Zero Waste: A Case Study in Saving Money and Reducing Waste
• Energy Essentials
• LEED Existing Building and New Construction
• Forest Hills Public School District: A Case Study of an Energy Efficient and Energy Star School District
• Michigan Farm to School: Engaging Farmers and Cafeterias
• Statewide Initiatives Fueling the Michigan Farm to School Movement
• Michigan Local Food Procurement School District Case Studies

Speakers included:

• Janet Allen, Food Service Director, Clarkston Public Schools; President, School Nutrition Association of Michigan
• Rob De Boer, Energy Essentials Program Associate, Michigan School Business Officials
• Stephen Hamstra, Executive VP and Director of Sustainability, GMB Architecture + Engineering
• Michelle Hickey, Sustainability Project Manager, Seven Generations Ahead
• Colleen Matts, C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems at Michigan State University
• Kristen Misiak, Food Service Director, Traverse City Area Public Schools
• Tom Walters, Director of Energy Management, Forest Hills Public School District
• Paul Yettaw, Food Service Director, Battle Creek Public Schools