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Grand Rapids Region Grey to Green


  • Green Roofs for Healthy Cities Grand Valley State University - L. William Seidman Building 1063 Seidman Center 50 Front Street SW Grand Rapids, MI USA (map)

Join us for the first-ever Grand Rapids Grey to Green Conference, where experts in green infrastructure, policymakers, and community leaders will come together to explore the latest trends and innovations in sustainable urban design.

As a growing city in the Great Lakes region, Grand Rapids faces unique challenges in managing its urban environment. From stormwater runoff to rising temperatures and air pollution, the impacts of climate change are being felt across the city. That's why green infrastructure has become such an important tool in Grand Rapids' efforts to build a sustainable and resilient city.

At the Green Roof Conference, you'll have the opportunity to hear from experts in the field, learn about the latest research, and connect with others who are passionate about building a greener, healthier city. Topics will include:

  • The economic and environmental benefits of green roofs

  • Innovative designs and technologies for green roof construction

  • Policy frameworks and incentives for green infrastructure in Grand Rapids

  • Best practices for maintaining and monitoring green roofs

  • Community engagement and public education around green infrastructure

Whether you're a building owner, a landscape architect, a city planner, or simply someone who cares about the future of our urban environment, this conference is not to be missed. Join us as we explore the role of green infrastructure in building a more sustainable and resilient city for all.

Venue: Grand Valley State University - Seidman Building (50 Front Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI)

Detailed Agenda to be released early May, 2023 and will be subject to change


Agenda at a Glance

Wednesday August 9

LiveRoof / Live Wall Open House

  • 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

  • Golf Cart Tour of the Sedum Mother Beds and Harvesting Demo with the Head Grower

  • Guided Walking Tour of the Production Area

  • Concurrent Demonstrations: LiveRoof Green Roof Demonstration or LiveWall Green Wall Demonstration

  • Concurrent Workshops: How to Design a Green Roof or How to Design a Planted Wall

John Ball Zoo Tour + LAPT Award Ceremony

  • 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM

  • Hosted at the John Ball Zoo, 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI

  • Join us at the John Ball Zoo where we'll tour the zoo facility with Allmon Forester, Director of Facilities, Planning, and Sustainability - John Ball Zoo, and have a an Living Architecture Performance Tool Plaque Ceremony featuring remarks from Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss.

  • The zoo tour will run from 4:30 - 5:30 PM, and the reception at the Bissell Treehouse will run from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM.


Thursday August 10th

  • Expert speaker sessions hosted at Grand Valley State University - Seidman Building

  • Plenary will be hosted from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Detailed agenda subject to change



Grey To Green Conference Sponsors

Speakers

Earlier Event: April 23
Boston Region Grey to Green Conference