2025 Michigan Energy Summit Agenda
Exhibitor Hall Open
Cheri Holman, LEED AP, Executive Director, Michigan Green Building Collaborative (Michigan Battle of the Buildings)
Ballroom - Main Stage
Join us for an insightful discussion with leaders from Michigan's major utility companies, including DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
(Ballroom, Main Stage)
Panelists:
Sally Talberg, President & CEO at Michigan Saves, Representing DTE
Nick Taba, Director of C&I Product Management at Consumers Energy
Julie Staveland, Assistant Division Director at Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Break - Exhibitor Hall Open
Session: Plans in Action: Moving from Sustainability Strategy to Implementation
Description:
As climate action plans and clean energy roadmaps take shape at local, state, and national levels, the focus is shifting from "What are the plans?" to "How do we implement them?" This session will dive into the practical next steps for turning ambitious sustainability goals into tangible, measurable outcomes. We’ll explore strategies for overcoming common barriers, aligning stakeholders, securing funding, and tracking progress to ensure carbon reduction targets and sustainability objectives are successfully met.
Panelists:
Annabelle Wilkinson, MURP, Chief Sustainability Officer at City of Grand Rapids
Missy Stults, Sustainability and Innovations Director at City of Ann Arbor
Maria Galarza, Deputy Director, Office of Sustainability, City of Detroit
Audrey Whaling, Program Manager, Lansing 2030 District, Michigan Green Building Collaborative (moderator)
Location:
Breakout Room C
Session: Incentives & Rebates: Maximizing Funding for Building Improvements
Description:
Looking to save on building upgrades? This session will explore a variety of funding options for sustainability projects, including rebates, financing, grants, and incentives. Hear from utility companies, green banks, and the State of Michigan about how you can tap into these opportunities—and even get paid for your improvements.
Panelists:
Jacob Walker, Energy Advisor II, Franklin Energy - DTE Energy
Julie Staveland, Assistant Division Director, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Todd O'Grady, Vice Presidents of Partnerships, Michigan Saves
JD Gonzales, Experienced Educator, Trainer, Presenter and Program Manager, Consumers Energy (moderator)
Location:
Breakout Room D
Session: Certified Green: The Latest in Sustainable Building Standards
Description:
Green building certifications like LEED, WELL, and the International Future Living Institute (IFLI) are continuously evolving to reflect the latest advancements in sustainable design, health, and resilience. In this session, we'll explore the most recent updates and innovations in these certification systems, covering changes in criteria, new features, and emerging trends. Whether you're new to green building certifications or aiming to stay ahead of industry shifts, this session will provide valuable insights on how these systems are adapting to meet the rising demand for sustainable, healthy, and future-ready buildings.
Panelists:
Kelsey Groesbeck, PE, LFA, Director of Building Science at TowerPinkster (moderator)
Deana Haynes, Managing Director of Market Transformation, U.S. Green Building Council
Mike Workman, WELL AP, WELL Performance Testing Agent, LEED AP BD + C, Fitwel Ambassador, Senior Consultant / Building Performance Testing at Ecoworks Studio
Location:
Breakout Room Zapopan
Break - Exhibitor Hall Open
Celebrate the 2024 Michigan Battle of the Buildings ‘Biggest Loser’ winners as they are awarded for their energy conservation achievements! This year we will be awarding 13 categories, including:
- Education
- Entertainment/Hotel/Restaurant
- Financial Institution
- Health/Hospital
- Manufacturing/Industrial
- Office
- Other
- Place of Worship
- Retail
- University
- Venue
- Warehouse/Distribution/Service
- Water
Break - Exhibitor Hall Open
Session: Navigating the New Michigan Energy Code: ASHRAE 90.1 – 2019 Explained
Description:
Join Eric DeVries, President of Michigan's E3M Solutions, as he discusses the latest updates to Michigan’s Energy Code, including the Functional Performance Testing (FPT) requirement. FPT is a more cost-effective and less intensive alternative to full commissioning, focused on verifying the operation and performance of building systems. With the updated enforcement of Michigan's energy code set for April 22, 2025, this session is essential for staying in compliance with ongoing or upcoming projects. Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure your projects meet the latest standards.
Panelist:
Eric DeVries, PE, CEM®, President of E3M Solutions
Introduced by:
Kendal Kuneman, Executive Director, Detroit 2030 District
Location:
Breakout Room C
Session: Energy All-Stars: Winning Strategies
Description:
In this session, hear directly from the Michigan Battle of the Buildings’ Biggest Losers as they share the strategies behind their success. Competitors will discuss their experiences tackling energy efficiency projects in their buildings, highlighting both their successes and challenges. Gain valuable insights into best practices and lessons learned to apply to your own energy efficiency initiatives.
Panelists:
Zach Richardson, Energy Administration Specialist, Facilities Management, Western Michigan University (University Category)
Jennifer Wolf, Genesis of Ann Arbor (House of Worship Category)
Doug Church, State Administrative Manager, DTMB (Office Category)
Henry Argasinski, Project Management, The Samaritan Center (Water Category) - Pre-recorded video to be played
Kayla Snyder, LFA, EMIT, Senior Program Manager, Michigan Green Building Collaborative (moderator)
Location:
Breakout Room D
Session: Student Showcase: Sustainability in Action
Description:
In this session, hear from students as they present their innovative sustainability projects and research. Discover the fresh ideas and cutting-edge solutions shaping the future of sustainability, and get inspired by the passion and creativity of the next generation of leaders. See the future of sustainability in action!
Panelists:
Jack Klop, Clavin University
Sofie Schumerth, Calvin University
Dallas Fisher, Hope College
Location:
Breakout Room Zapopan
Destinations:
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Description:
Explore Grand Rapids' commitment to sustainability and community on this engaging walking tour. Our first stop is the Grand Rapids Art Museum, where the Deputy Director will highlight the building's impressive LEED-gold certified features (fun fact: the GRAM was the world’s first LEED Gold certified museum!). Next, we'll visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum to learn about their impactful sustainability upgrades, enhanced river access, and vital community enrichment projects. This tour offers a unique perspective on how cultural institutions are embracing environmental responsibility and community engagement.
Panelists:
Christopher Bruce-Karel, Deputy Director of Art, Learning, and Engagement at Grand Rapids Art Museum
Stephanie Ogren, Vice President of Science and Education at Grand Rapids Public Museum
Jennifer Spiller, Healthy and Sustainable Buildings Policy Specialist at City of Grand Rapids
Audrey Whaling, Program Manager, Lansing 2030 District, Michigan Green Building Collaborative
*Meet at the small stage in the pre-function area (near registration)
Happy Hour Sponsored by the Detroit Lions!!
