GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 18, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Michigan Association of Home Builders and Green Built(tm) Michigan will host the inaugural Great Lakes Green 2008 conference/exhibition, August 21-23, 2008, at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. The conference will feature education sessions for both industry professionals and the public-at-large with a focus on green residential construction and remodeling. More than 100 exhibitors will be available to discuss green products and services.
"Green is everywhere and becoming a part of every industry; home building and remodeling are no exception. Green building is about building a healthier, safer and smarter home," says Rich Kogelshatz, president Heartland Builders LLC and chair of Great Lakes Green 2008.
Consumers are driving the green movement and the building community is taking notice. According to a recent study by the national polling firm Public Opinion Strategies, 64 percent of 800 registered voters said that reduced energy costs would drive their decision to purchase a new green home or remodel their current home to be more green. Fifty-five percent of voters said their driving decision to purchase or remodel green would be "because it would be healthier" and 49 percent said it's "the right thing to do for the environment."
"Those that appreciate a higher level of indoor air quality, recycling and less global impact are becoming our new and growing list of prospective customers," says Greg Powell, owner of Powell Construction Services, LLC and president of the Michigan Association of Home Builders.
Great Lakes Green 2008 begins on Thursday, August 21, with a reception hosted by Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, a nationally recognized advocate for creating sustainable communities. Exhibits will be open during the reception to all members of the media and other invited attendees for a sneak peak at the latest in green building products and services. The student design competition "Great Lakes Green 2008 Home Design" and a two-day professional course for NAHB's Green Building designation also begin Thursday.
On Friday, industry professionals will choose from over 18 seminars ranging from Green Built Training, LEED for Homes training, Green Products, Geothermal Heating and a Renewable Energy discussion.
On Saturday, more than 20 seminars will be open to the public. Topics include a general discussion about green products, energy efficiency and "how to remodel your home or build a new one without getting a divorce." "Saturday seminars are going to be very informational to the public and will provide the tools necessary to educate consumers on how to go green," says Powell.
Exhibits will be open both Friday and Saturday for the public and industry professionals.
Exhibitors will offer green goods and services alongside non-profit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the Alliance for Environmental Sustainability, West Michigan Environmental Action Council and the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association.
To learn more about Great Lakes Green 2008 or to register, sponsor, exhibit or enter the Student Design Competition, visit www.greatlakesgreen2008.com. Entries for the design competition will be accepted no later than May 5.
Great Lakes Green 2008 is sponsored by Michigan Association of Home Builders, Green Built Michigan, Wege Foundation, MASCO, Whirlpool Corporation, Nu-Wool, Floorheat, WaterFurnace, Habitat for Humanity and Michigan Association of REALTORS(r).
About Green Built Michigan
Green Built Michigan, Inc. is a 501(c)3 education and training organization affiliated with home builder associations across Michigan. Green Built serves as an education resource to all members of the building community and homeowners who are interested in learning more about residential green construction. Green building offers homeowners the opportunity to have a safer, healthier, energy efficient and environmentally friendly home. For more information about Green Built Michigan's members and programs, go to GreenBuiltMichigan.org.
About Michigan Association of Home Builders
The Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB) is a professional trade association representing nearly 10,000 members. The MAHB's membership includes homebuilders and other professionals in the building industry. Affiliated with 33 local home builder associations across the state, the MAHB works to positively promote the building industry and impact legislative, regulatory and legal issues affecting housing affordability. For more information on the Michigan Association of Home Builders, go to BuildingMichigan.org