In September 2003 the “first” Green by Design environmental symposium was held at Steelcase University and Town Hall. Funded by the Wege Foundation and co-sponsored by Grand Rapids Community College and Steelcase Inc. At the completion of the two-day event, the question we heard most often was, “when is the next one?”.

With renewed support of the Wege Foundation, Steelcase, Grand Rapids Community College and others, Green by Design 2005 was held September 28 + 29, 2005. We invited keynote speakers Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Tom Chappell and Stuart Hart, Ph.D. to challenge our beliefs, theories and paradigms. We broke new ground with an innovation theme and introduced new science and provoke questions and solutions. Emerging experts in the field of environmental sustainability were showcased as they shared their research and perspectives.

As results oriented people, we could only ask, so what did we accomplish?

• New ideas.
• New challenges.
• New ideals.
• New energy.
• New believers in sustainability.

We think that’s pretty good.

Key Note, Day 1 – Tom Chappell, Tom’s of Maine

Key Note, Day 2 – Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Educational Key Note – Dr. Stuart L. Hart, Cornell University

Leadership Roundtable – William McDonough, MBDC