GRAND RAPIDS – West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum will present a luncheon highlighting global and local responses to climate change and energy issues January 11 at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman Forum.
Featured speakers include Natural Capital Partners Executive Vice President Mark LaCroix and Center for Climate Strategies Chairman Steve Chester, WMSBF member delegates to The Conference of the Parties (COP21) climate summit in Paris in December, plus City of Grand Rapids Director of Energy and Sustainability Haris Alibasic and US Green Building Council Executive Director Cheri Holman.
This month’s meeting presented by Natural Capital Partners.
In his presentation, Paris Outcomes: What Action for Business, LaCroix will share what Natural Capital Partners learned and explore how business can take the lead post-Paris.
- From awareness to action – a brief history of The Conference of the Parties
- Outcomes from COP21 – a summary of the final results and next steps.
- What now? – transformation, growth and opportunity for business.
- Getting to zero – the business case for carbon neutrality and a framework to get there.
Chester will share additional perspective drawing from his experiences as chairman of CCS, the nation’s premiere catalyst for state climate action planning and analysis, and the development of Michigan’s climate action plan during his time as Director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Alibasic will provide an update on City of Grand Rapids efforts to lead climate action by example, including the development of a solar power field at the Butterworth landfill site. Holman will introduce the third season of the USGBC’s Michigan Battle of the Buildings and the new Grand Rapids 2030 District.
January Monthly Meeting
Monday, January 11
12 pm to 2 pm
GVSU L. Seidman Center
50 Front Ave SW, Grand Rapids
$15 online / $20 at event Members
$20 online / $25 at event Non-members
