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WMU series explores sustainable business practices

Feb. 10, 2011

KALAMAZOO--A series of workshops beginning this month at Western Michigan University will help participants learn sustainable business practices and maximize energy efficiency.

The first session of the Energy Champions Learning Series begins at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences on WMU Parkview Campus. The five-session series continues at 8 p.m. March 1, 15 and 29 and April 12 in the ParkView Room.

The series, offered through a partnership of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center-West, WMU Green Manufacturing Initiative and Sustainable Research Group, will help participants lead their organizations toward environmentally sustainable business practices by increasing profits through energy efficiency.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects long-term price increases for both electricity and natural gas over the next 20 years. As the impact of the recent global Climate Change Accord in Copenhagen and Environmental Protection Agency's recent Greenhouse Gas emission reporting requirements for large dischargers take effect, additional pressure will be placed on businesses, institutions and governments to improve their performance per unit of energy consumed. Organizations that fail to recognize the impact of their energy consumption practices will be at a competitive disadvantage as prices and regulations add additional costs.

Despite these developments, most organizations do not currently have the in-house expertise to lead an effective energy efficiency initiative. In response, the five-part series is being offered to develop energy champions by adding new tools to their portfolio of skills and to benefit their organizations.

Cost of all five sessions is $275 per person.

For more information or to register, visit WMU's Green Manufacturing Initiative online, or contact Amy Winkler at winklera@rightplace.org or (616) 771-0561.

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Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/news