Formed in 2019, the Michigan City Sustainability Commission aims to inspire sustainable practices throughout the community by engaging residents and supporting impactful projects. The Commission has set a goal of reducing the city’s carbon footprint by at least 50% by 2030.
All efforts are focused on three key issues:
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Inadequate waste management
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Energy-inefficient housing and buildings
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Transportation-related pollution
This workshop will feature expert perspectives on addressing these challenges in Michigan City.
MaryEllen Etienne, Director of Market Transformation and Development at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), will introduce the fundamentals of green building and explain how third-party certification systems help reduce environmental impact, lower costs, and improve quality of life.
Jack Schroeder, Principal at LBBA, will present a sampling of sustainable housing projects that have achieved multiple types of certification. His work focuses on delivering homes with healthy air quality, long-term durability, lower energy and water use, and affordability. He will highlight how strong sustainability practices benefit developers, contractors, residents, municipalities, and design teams.
Brett Little, Education Manager at the GreenHome Institute, will discuss how their mission to empower people to make healthier, more sustainable choices in renovation and construction can benefit Michigan City. He will review local resources such as the Indiana Home Energy Rebates and Indiana Energy Independence Funds.
A G E N D A
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5:30 PM – Welcome and Introduction
Presented by Ms. Wendy L. Vachet, AICP, Director of Public Works (15 minutes) -
5:45 PM – Presentation by MaryEllen Etienne
Director of Market Transformation and Development, U.S. Green Building Council (20 minutes) -
6:05 PM – Presentation by Jack Schroeder
Principal, LBBA Architects (20 minutes) -
6:25 PM – Presentation by Brett Little
Education Manager, GreenHome Institute (20 minutes) -
6:45 PM – Audience Q&A and Open Discussion (45 minutes)
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7:30 PM – Closing Remarks and Adjournment