A "Green Team" of Architects & Engineers made presentations on sustainable design to lawmakers and their staff on August 19 in Lansing at the request of state Rep. Jeff Mayes. The presentations helped establish ACEC, MSPE and AIA as a solid resource and the technical experts for the Legislature when it comes to sustainable design.

 

 Mayes, chair of the House Energy & Technology Committee, invited the group after they made a similar presentation to his committee on June 16. With a morning presentation and an afternoon presentation in the Mackinac Room of the Anderson House Office Building, members and leadership from each group were able to reach numerous lawmakers and their legislative aides to discuss sustainable design and how it impacts Michigan’s economy, environment and workers.

 

ACEC/M Executive Director Ron Brenke said the presentation not only provided an opportunity to get face-to-face time with lawmakers but also to solidify the group’s reputation as experts on green concepts to help policymakers make informed decisions.

 

“One of our goals was to let them know that we have many professionals who are knowledgeable on green issues, regulations and concepts,” Brenke said. “We want to be known as THE resource for the Legislature when it comes to sustainable design. We think that our presentation and interaction with lawmakers helped move us toward that goal.”

 

More than 75 supporters in the build-design field attended the presentations and spoke with lawmakers and their staffs. Though a heavy committee schedule limited the amount of legislators we were able to reach, we connected with many important -- and engaged -- lawmakers.

 

“The importance of the day will be felt into the future as we continue to work with the Legislature and educate policymakers on the benefits and importance of sustainable design," Brenke said.

 

State Rep. Ken Horn helped open the afternoon presentation. Other participating lawmakers included state Reps. Lisa Brown; Martin Griffin; Mike Huckleberry; Jim Slezak; Kim Meltzer; Bob Jones; Tom Pearce; Tonya Schuitmaker; John Proos; Tory Rocca; Rick Jones; Lee Gonzales; Ed Clemente; and Dian Slavens.

The "Green Team" consisted of: Michael Cooper, PE, FESD; Principal, Harley Ellis Devereaux; Ronald Campbell, AIA Michigan President, Oakland County Planning & Economic Development; Alan Cobb, AIA Michigan Vice President, Albert Kahn Associates; Paul Jacobs, Vice President, Project Planning, Christman Company, AIA, LEED AP; and Gary Quesada, Cavanaugh & Quesada, PLC.

 

ACEC, MSPE and AIA would like to thank the sponsors for their contributions and participation in the event: Spence Brothers; Conestoga-Rovers & Associates; Cavanaugh & Quesada, PLC; and Strategic Energy Solutions, Inc.

 

For more information Contact: ACEC