2010 Michigan Energy Conference

Mark your calender for the 2010 Michigan Energy Conference to be held at Ferris State University.  The annual conference will be held April 7 & 8 2010.  The conference consists of two full days of exhibits, technical workshops and educational seminars.  Some of this years  topics will include designing for buildng efficiencies, mechanical system design, renewable energy systems, government & utilility incentive programs and much much more.  For information on exhibiting or attending contact the conference at mec@ferris.edu or visit the website at www.ferris.edu/mec

Case Study: Michigan Group Home Combines Accessibility and Sustainability

Detroit-area dwelling for residents with physical and developmental disabilities features high-performance technology and Green Built Michigan Certification.  See full article in EcoHome Magazine.  

Flooring. It is part of every room, in every build or remodel project. They take the wear and tear of the homeowners’ feet but need to still be able to offer the love and comfort to playing children. Health, durability and maintenance are all key factors in selecting the right flooring for your construction project. An interview with Denise Hopkins, an architect for over 20 years and creator of Eden Environments, a sustainable design center and product expert, provides information on how to make the best decision for the material underfoot. See full text of article. Learn more about Eden Environments.

Educational Conference Great Lakes Green 2009, Keynote Speaker, Ron Jones was recently named to the Sustainable Building Council of the Internatinonal Code Council.  See full text of release.  Learn more about Great Lakes Green.

Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and Green Built Michigan have become partners in making affordable housing green. Habitat for Humanity programs across the state will be able to participate in green education provided by Green Built Michigan and certify homes at a discounted rate. In addition, all of Habitats Affiliated Chapters in Michigan will be able to take part in the benefits of membership offered by Green Built. Thom Phillips, Sustainable Building Specialist at Habitat has been added to the GBM Board of Directors.

Michelle Smith, Director of Public Relations at Habitat for Humanity of Michigan stresses the importance of going green in affordable housing, "At Habitat we think it is important to spend a little extra money up front to build a home that is sustainable and helps the homeowner to be able to afford the expenses of ownership."

While Habitats Affiliates have the option to use Green Built, Energy Star or LEED-H, they will be encouraged by their State Association to go green using the Green Built Michigan program.

The Saginaw HBA has recently added a Green Built Michigan Chapter to their list of membership benefits.  Saginaw joins the ranks of: Bay County, Grand Rapids, BIASM, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Livingston,  Mecosta, & Washtenaw, to become the ninth Association to affiliate with Green Built Michigan. Saginaw has elected Steve Zietz of Zietz builders to represent their Association on the Green Built Board of Directors. Members of the Saginaw HBA can join Green Built Michigan for $200.00/year. The Introduction to Green Building program, which will incorporate the ANSI Green Building Standard, will be offered at the Saginaw HBA in September 2009.

A collaborative effort between the ICC and NAHB, the Standard recently approved by ANSI provides the "green" practices that can be incorporated into new homes. The approval signals a new era for builders, remodelers and developers and also provides an extra measure of reassurance for home buyers. The National Green Building Standard is now the first and only ANSI-approved green building rating system, making it the benchmark for green homes.

"The four threshold levels, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Emerald provide builders with a means to achieve basic, entry-level green building, or achieve the highest level of sustainable "green" building that incorporates energy savings of 60 percent or higher.

The Standard can be used by any builder for their individual projects, or be the basis for a local community or state green building program."

You can order your copy through Builder Books and receive a discount available to NAHB members.