Resources

Advanced Transportation Technology Institute http://www.atti-info.org

A nonprofit organization that advances clean transportation technologies through research, education and technology transfer in order to promote a healthy environment and energy independence.

American Institute of Architects http://www.aia.org
 
Based in Washington, D.C., the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has been the leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners since 1857.


American Planning Association http://www.planning.org
 
APA provides leadership in the development of vital communities. We measure our success by the successes of our members and the communities they serve.  The APA Green Team works to promote sustainable business practices by identifying and sharing innovative methods.


American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers 
http://www.ashrae.org

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.


American Society of Interior Designers

For tips on creating green interiors: http://www.asid.org/designknowledge/sustain/comm/

Aquinas Center for Sustainability http://www.centerforsustainability.org/

The Center for Sustainability at Aquinas College is dedicated to the development and advancement of organizations and communities that promote economic viability, natural world kinship, social responsibility.



Congress for New Urbanism http://www.cnu.org

A growing movement, New Urbanism recognizes walkable, human-scaled neighborhoods as the building blocks of sustainable communities and regions. 


Department of Environmental Quality http://www.michigan.gov/deq/


Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future.


Energy Information Administration http://www.eia.doe.gov

EIA is the nation's premier source of unbiased energy data, analysis and forecasting.  EIA provides this information to promote sound policy making, efficient energy markets, and public understanding about energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment.  

EPA Energy Star http://www.energystar.gov

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.  This site provides resources for saving energy in the home, and business setting.

EPA Sustainable Redevelopment of Brownfields Program http://www.epa.gov/brownfields

A comprehensive site on brownfields that includes projects, initiatives, tools, tax incentives and other resources to address brownfield remediation and redevelopment.

EPA Erosion and Sediment Control Model Ordinances
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/ordinance/erosion.htm

This resource, developed by the EPA, is geared towards helping municipalities draft ordinances for erosion and sedimentation control and might serve as a helpful tool in developing company policies.
EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality http://www.epa.gov/otaq/

Provides information on the types and effects of air pollution associated with automobile use, information for consumers, and links to resources for organizations interested in promoting commuter choice programs.
 
 
 
WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, makes it easy for Americans to save water and protect the environment. Look for the WaterSense label to choose quality, water-efficient products.


Global Warming's Six Americas 2009 An Audience Segmentation Analysis
 
One of the first rules of effective communication is to “know thy audience.” Climate change public communication and engagement efforts must start with the fundamental recognition that people are different and have different psychological, cultural, and political reasons for acting – or not acting – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This report identifies Global Warming’s Six Americas: six unique audiences within the American public that each responds to the issue in their own distinct way.


Green Car Institute http://www.greencars.org

Green Car Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization,  encourages the development and widespread use of alternative and clean fuel vehicles. The Institute’s mission is to be a recognized leader in environmental vehicle education and foster public understanding of the relationship between low emission/clean fuel vehicles and the environment. Green Car Institute also places emphasis on related areas such as energy efficiency, recycling, and environmentally conscious manufacturing to further understanding of these important and interconnected issues.

 

Green Jobs

Check the USGBC: Career Center for Green Jobs in your area.

Click here for a guide to finding green jobs from the Michigan Renewable Energy Program staff of the Dept. of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.

 
International Union for the Scientific Study of Population http://www.iussp.org

The IUSSP promotes scientific studies of demography and population-related issues. 

Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership  http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3585_4129_4188---,00.html

Organizations in Michigan have the opportunity to become involved in a unique program encouraging businesses to apply creative, cost-effective techniques to reduce waste and prevent the release of hazardous substances.

 

 
Michigan Clean Marinas  http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/cmp

As a pledging participant in the Clean Marina Program, marinas do their part to improve and maintain Michigan’s waterways by reducing and eliminating releases and discharges of harmful pollutants, sediments, nutrients, general refuse, and anything else that can damage aquatic environments.

 

 

All Michigan communities are eligible to complete the Basic Challenge, a program designed to reflect the governing body’s commitment to adopt policies and programs of energy efficiency and conservation.  

Michigan Recycling Coalition http://www.michiganrecycles.org/

The MRC's mission is to foster effective resource use in Michigan by developing, supporting and educating a coalition of business, government, non-profit and individual members working toward the common goals of waste reduction, recycling, reuse, composting and recycled-content purchasing.

Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program  www.mtesp.org
 
National Resources Defense Council http://www.nrdc.org

NRDC uses law, science, and a large membership base for protection of wildlife and wild places to ensure a safe and healthy environment.


Open Energy Info is a platform to connect the world's energy data.  It is a linked open data platform bringing together energy information to provide improved analyses, unique visualizations, and real-time access to data.

Soil Erosion and Sedimentation in the Great Lakes Region http://www.great-lakes.net/envt/pollution/erosion.html

This resource from the Great Lakes Information Network provides links to general resources, education and training opportunities, materials, manual, maps and other resources related to soil erosion, sedimentation and watershed management.

Sustainable Grand Rapids www.sustainablegr.com

Grand Rapids is now recognized as a city committed to creating a new municipal government paradigm built on local solutions, stakeholder involvement, regional collaboration, and community reinvestment.  Adopting the philosophy of “living today without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to live equally as well or better”, Grand Rapids is working to become more sustainable.  For a great map locating LEED buildings in both Grand Rapids and West Michigan, click on "site index".

Urban Land Institute http://www.uli.org

 
The mission of the Urban Land Institute is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.  The ULI prootes the responsible use of land in order to enhance the total environment.


United States Green Building Council Green Meeting Reference Documents



United States Green Building Council http://www.usgbc.org

The U.S. Green Building Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community of leaders working to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation.  LEED™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted standards, tools and performance criteria. 


West Michigan Environmental Action Council http://www.wmeac.org
 
Whether you are a concerned citizen, business owner, faith leader or student, WMEAC can help you translate your passion for the protection of our environment into positive action. WMEAC has three key areas of focus:
    • Building Sustainable Communities
    • Protecting Our Water
    • Promoting Ecologically Restorative Institutions and Organizations 


West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum http://www.wmeac.org/wmsbf/

The West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum is a non-profit organization of area companies united in their commitment to the principle of a concept known today as the "Triple Bottom Line."  The Triple Bottom Line and the mission of the forum is to promote business practices that demonstrate environmental stewardship, economic vitality and social responsibility.



  

Mission: To provide and develop leadership for environmental sustainability in green building and community development through strategic affiliations
and comprehensive proactive educational opportunities at all levels.