Green Space: Wayne County spins green out of platinum seminar
Wayne County is bringing together many of the area’s sustainability experts for a one-day seminar called “The Platinum Standard.”
The best possible LEED rating is platinum, so it seems appropriate that Wayne County is calling its day-long sustainability seminar “The Platinum Standard.”
The keynote speakers are Tom Osoba, Portland’s coordinator of sustainable economic development and Paul Murray, Herman Miller’s director of environmental safety and sustainability.
Other presentations include insights into sustainability, ways to go green and “Our state of sustainability,” which will discuss green perspectives from local government, business and industry. Speakers include Amy Butler from the state’s Department of Environmental Quality and Joseph Verseyer from Lawrence Technological University’s Center for Sustainability.
What’s compelling about this event is the feeling that this area is truly at a tipping point when it comes to environmental issues. I’m sensing a perfect storm of conditions: The announcement that the Chevy Volt would be manufactured here. The BP firestorm. The RiverWalk, greenways and transit all play a part in the conversation.
It just feels more and more like people around here are starting to see the forest for the trees: our manufacturing background has poised this area to become a major player in the alternative enegry industry sector. That means jobs, which are kinda sorely needed around here.
This seminar seems like an ideal medium to get the non-believers on board.
It is sponsored by the Wayne County Parks Department and the Southeast Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (an org we profiled here) and is set for October 9 at Wayne County Community College’s downriver campus. It is free, but RSVPs are required. Click here to do so.
Bonus: There will be food, with an emphasis on local.
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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