© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

‘Biggest Loser’ award winners feted for energy conservation success at Energy Summit

One major take away from the 2017 Energy Summit in Grand Rapids is increased optimism about Michigan’s energy future.  A summit feature is recognizing the winners of the Michigan Battle of the Buildings ‘Biggest Loser’ competition—building owners and operators who achieved significant energy reduction in 2016.  The competition is organized and hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council-West Michigan Chapter.

‘Biggest Loser’ winners range from large complexes like Ford Field Stadium and the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center to smaller facilities such as the Grand Rapids Brewing Company and the headquarters of Meadowlark Design Build in Ann Arbor.  What all competition contestants have in common is a strong commitment to wise energy management and use. 

Greening of the Great Lakes was on hand to talk with some of the “biggest losers.”

Cheri Holman is the executive director of the U.S. Green Building Council-West Michigan Chapter. She sets the scene above.

Then we talk with Fred Reddig, Ford Field facility director

fred_reddig.mp3

Doug Selby, co-founder and president of Meadowlark Design Build

doug_selby.mp3

Keynote speaker Brett Moss, training director at California-based Net Zero Plus Electrical Training Institute

brett_moss.mp3

Carrie Veldman, sustainability coordinator for Barfly Ventures

carrie_veldman.mp3

David Shaw, regional energy manager for the University of Michigan Medical School.

david_shaw.mp3

Greening of the Great Lakes airs inside MSU Today Sunday afternoons at 4:00 on 94.5 FM and AM 870.

Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.