GRAND RAPIDS – The West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum’s June 20 meeting will feature a spotlight on renewable energy challenges and success stories, and the 2016 annual membership meeting at The B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids.

Renewable energy has historically proven a significant challenge for organizations due to financial and regulatory constraints. However, the environment for clean energy is rapidly improving, opening the door for significant investments from local organizations in energy from wind, solar and anaerobic digestion.

The panel includes

  • John DeAngelis, Energy Program Manager, Steelcase
  • Haris Alibasic, Director, City of Grand Rapids Office of Energy and Sustainability
  • Brad Lila, Director of Project Development, Apex Clean Energy
  • Greg Northrup, Principal, Sustainable Partners LLC and Managing Member of Lowell Energy AD LLC
  • Keith Troyer, Consumers Energy
  • John Roland Eberly III, Senior Electrical Engineer, FTCH (Moderator)

Steelcase recently announced a 12-year power purchase agreement with Apex Clean Energy for 25 megawatts of wind power. Since 2014, Steelcase has invested in renewable energy credits equivalent to 100 percent of its global electricity consumption. City of Grand Rapids will soon install 429 solar panels on the former location of the Butterworth landfill. Consumers Energy this month dedicates its 17-acre Solar Gardens plant at Grand Valley State University, the largest community solar project in Michigan.  Sustainable Partners LLC recently developed the Lowell Energy Anaerobic Digester, which uses feedstock from the Litehouse Foods plant in Lowell and dairy farm waste.

The Annual Meeting will also introduce the 2016-2017 board of directors and honor the 2016 President’s Award winner.

Information on the election is available here.

Register here.

June Membership Meeting (Annual Meeting)

Monday, June 20

12 pm to 2 pm

The B.O.B.

20 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

$15 online / $20 at event Members

$20 online / $25 at event Non-members

Tentative Agenda

12 pm        Lunch

12:30 pm   Welcome

12:35 pm   Annual Meeting Business

12:50 pm   Clean Energy Success Stories