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Kalamazoo's Green Drinks - Hosted by the Southwest Michigan Sustainable Business Forum every 4^th Tuesday of each month, Green Drinks provides a networking opportunity with a goal of creating an ongoing community dialogue about local sustainability issues.  For more information about Green Drinks, please visit www.greendrinks.org   

Sunset Coast Green Drinks - Hosted by Great Lakes Cleaning, Inc., the Sunset Coast Green Drinks occurs every 3^rd Wednesday of each month in the Berrien County area.  For more information, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or visit www.greendrinks.org.

Interest Circles:

Interest Circles are volunteer-driven groups that meet to exchange ideas, resources and information related to each Circle's designated focus:  Advocacy, Education, and Networking-Communications.  These meetings provide you the opportunity to brainstorm and set goals and initiatives with people who share your desire to promote sustainable development within our community.  Each Interest Circle includes one appointed and one elected volunteer who reports to the Southwest Michigan Branch Steering Committee, where activities are coordinated for communication to other members.  Anyone is welcome to participate in Interest Circles.  

• ADVOCACY CIRCLE - Occurs the fourth Monday of every 1 month from 5:15PM until 6:30PM.  If you would like to participate in the movement to incentivise sustainable design, construction, and building practices, or for more information please contact Jack Michael via email at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

• EDUCATION CIRCLE - The Education Circle is under development and seeking members.  This circle is responsible for bringing to our area events that offer continuing education for GBCI CEUs, general knowledge about sustainable building practices, LEED workshops, and green building tours.  For more information, please contact Steve Hassevoort via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

• NETWORKING/COMMUNICATIONS CIRCLE - The Networking/Communications Circle is under development and seeking members. If you are interested in keeping track of contacts and coordinating fun networking events, please contact Stephanie Hinman at (269) 488-3645 or via email at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What You Can Do Immediately:  

• Volunteer.  See events above for volunteer opportunities or contact us at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

• Explore the U.S. Green Building Council West Michigan Chapter website for updates

• Share your interests in what you would like to see concerning LEED/Sustainable buildings in the Kalamazoo area at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Become a member of USGBC National or your local chapter.

• Contribute a tax-deductable donation

• Sponsor an event 

In the News: 

April 25, 2012 - "Southwest Michigan USGBC Branch Hosts AIA Accredited Course" by Lisa Naugle, Architects' Guide to Glass & Metal 

July 12, 2011 - "Southwest Michigan USGBC aims to build its presence" by Olivia Pulsinelli, Business Review West Michigan

June 2, 2009 -  "Kalamazoo aims to start USGBC branch" by Michigan Business Review. 

Past Events: 

• TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2012 - Lunch & Learn.  Join us for an educational seminar over lunch provided by West Michigan Glass Coatings as Amanda Nawara explains how various window films help to save energy, provide design solutions, and increase safety in both residential and commercial applications.  Lean about the history of window films, types of films and their various applications, benefits of window films, statistics from energy savings analyses, and tips about specifications, warranty and maintenance.  Seminar is eligible for AIA CE and GBCI Credential Maintenance. 
• FEBRUARY 22, 2012 - USGBC Southwest Michigan Branch Annual Membership Meeting.  This is your chance to network with other USGBC West Michigan Chapter members and learn about upcoming sustainable projects in the Kalamazoo area.  Join us for a summary of 2011, a brief overview of what is to come in 2012, and a highlight of local LEED registered and certified buildings.  Learn about how to get the most out of your membership and use this opportunity to provide feedback on local LEED interests.  Appetizers provided and cash bar available. 
• NOVEMBER 4, 2011 - 10th Annual CEU/CE Marathon Day, hosted by the Southwest Michigan Chapter/American Institute of Architects and the USGBC Southwest Michigan Branch.  Once again, the CEU Marathon will have 16 courses and each hour you will be able to choose which course you would like to attend.  Each presentation will be given only once and they are totally independent from each other.  You may choose to register for the sessions in the morning, afternoon, or the full event.  This one day event is a cost-effective and efficient opportunity for you to earn up to 8 GBCI and/or AIA credits/units.  Click here for schedule. 
• SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 - VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY!  2011 Sustainable Business Expo.   We are looking for 6 USGBC and LEED savvy volunteers to help us represent the Southwest Michigan Branch at the Sustainable Business Expo.  Responsibilities include sharing with expo attendees your knowledge about sustainable design and construction, LEED, and the USGBC, and manning the Branch Booth.  Volunteers are needed from 11AM - 6PM and a commitment of 1 to 2 hours is requested.  Time slots will be coordinated by Stephanie based on volunteer availability.  Helping with this event not only contributes toward Continuing Education hours for your LEED credential, but also provides the opportunity for you to network with local professionals and create awareness about your local branch.  For more information about the 2011 Sustainable Business Expo, please visit www.kazoochamber.com/expo.
• SEPTEMBER 14, 2011 - VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY!  Michigan Downtown Conference Reception.  We are looking for 3 USGBC and LEED savvy volunteers to help us represent the Southwest Michigan Branch at the Michigan Downtown Conference reception, which will be held starting at 6PM at Skydeck.  This will be a great opportunity for you to network with local professionals and earn Continuing Education hours toward your LEED credential.  Responsibilities include sharing knowledge about sustainable design and construction, LEED, and the USGBC with reception attendees, and manning the on site Branch display table.  For more information regarding the Michigan Downtown Conference and who should participate in the event, please visit www.michigandowntownconference.org.
• SEPTEMBER 2011 - Green Associates Training Workshop.  The U.S. Green Building Council Southwest Michigan Branch is offering a facilitated study group to prepare individuals for the challenging LEED Green Associate (GA) Examination. These study groups differ from instructor-led courses and rely on the strength of the facilitator and the active participation of the learners. Study group sessions are a combination of facilitated, peer-to-peer discussion and personal study and will provide participants with the ability to explain green building concepts and strategies, apply test-taking strategies, navigate exam structure and prepare them to sit for the exam. Study group participants should have the prerequisite knowledge of the subject matter covered in the LEED GA Candidate Handbook. They will also need study the content of the Green Building and LEED Core Concepts Guide, First Edition. This guide must be purchased separately through the USGBC website. This study group is not eligible towards GBCI’s LEED Professional Credential Maintenance Program (CMP). After successful completion of the study group, candidates may provide their Certificate of Completion in lieu of a letter of attestation to sit for the LEED Green Associate Exam.
• JUNE 15, 2011 - AIA Southwest Michigan with the Southwest Michigan Sustainable Business Forum and the USGBC Southwest Michigan Branch bring to you PASSIVE HOUSE:  The Worlds Most Stringent Energy Efficiency Building Standard presented by Mark A. Miller - Architect/Builder - PHA-Chicago Co-Founder.  Mark is one of a handful of architects in the U.S. trained to implement the Passive House Standard. PH has been evolving in Germany/Austria for more than 20 years and is now gaining momentum in the United States with the promise of reducing energy consumption of buildings by up to 90% while providing superior comfort and air quality.  When coupled with renewable energy systems, Passive House puts true zero energy buildings within reach.
• FEBRUARY 23, 2011 - Southwest Michigan Branch Annual Meeting:  Join us for a brief introduction to the Southwest Michigan Branch, an overview of 2011 Branch goals, a highlight of local LEED registered and certified buildings, and a tour of the Tower Pinkster office - a LEED Certified Commercial Interior.  Learn about membership, volunteer participation, and use this opportunity to provide feedback on local LEED interests. 
• JANUARY 25, 2011 - Branch Representatives will speak briefly at Kalamazoo's Green Drinks about the USGBC, LEED, and why the branch was established.  Green Drinks - Kalamazoo is held at The Strutt every 4th Tuesday of the month from 5:30 PM - "until good conversation ends."  The Strutt is located at 773 West Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI  49007.
• OCTOBER 29, 2010 - 2010 CEU/CE Marathon Day, hosted by the Southwest Michigan Chapter/American Institute of Architects and the Southwest Michigan Branch of the USGBC.  Business professionals have been invited to present programs that meet AIA and/or GBCI continuing education requirements.  This will be a cost-effective and efficient opportunity to earn up to 8 credits/units.
• JANUARY 22, 2010 - How to Get or Keep your LEED Status... What's it all About? featured as a part of the West Michigan Chapter's Experience the U.S. Green Building Council.  If you were unable to make it the first time, we are presenting again in Grand Rapids with the West Michigan Chapter.  With so many changes with the LEED AP credentialing, the new Green Association Accreditation, the formation of the Member Interest Circles (Schools, Neighborhood Development, Green Building Operations and Maintenance, Homes and the longstanding New Construction and Commercial Interiors) over the past two years, it is time for you to experience all of this first hand.  Therefore the West Michigan Chapter will be hosting an event on Friday, January 22nd titled "Experience the U.S. Green Building Council."
• DECEMBER 3, 2009 - An Introduction to Sustainable Design & Construction and the LEED Rating System.
• NOVEMBER 5, 2009 - How to Get or Keep your LEED Status... What's it all About?  Four local LEED Accredited Professionals tell you, in plain English, how to get or keep your LEED Credentials.  Participants will gain a better understanding of the new LEED accreditation levels, and learn about the new Credentialing Maintenance Program (CMP) for existing LEED APs.
• SEPTEMBER 22, 2009 - Seminar presented by Autodesk Technical Specialist, John B. Boehms, AIA, LEED®AP.  Through the use of Autodesk software, John will demonstrate how to bridge environmental and architectural design in order to promote sustainability.
• JUNE 9, 2009 - There will be an informative display and representatives featured at the Kalamazoo Green Choices Luncheon from 11:30am - 1:00pm 

Contact Us:

Please feel free to contact us with any questions at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Branch Steering Committee

Stephanie Hinman LEED AP BD+C, The Hinman Company » Chair

Jack Michael LEED AP BD+C, AVB Construction » Vice Chair 

Steve Hassevoort AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, InForm Architecture » Treasurer, West Michigan Chapter Board Member and Liaison 

Shawn Parshall Associate AIA, CDT, LEED AP, Tower Pinkster »  Secretary

Mohanad Alnajjar, LEED AP BD+C, AVB Construction

Darcy Nelles-Serba, Stryker Medical

Last Updated 4/25/2012