West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum will host a forum on the sustainability impact of autonomous vehicles, LEDs and other emerging technologies on Monday, July 16 at the Meijer Heritage Center.  

The featured speaker is Gregory Keoleian, Peter M. Wege Endowed Professor of Sustainable Systems and Director of the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan. Keoleian recently led a team of researchers in partnership with Ford Motor Company on an evaluation of the sustainability and environmental benefits of autonomous vehicles.  Highlights of the study included a lifecycle assessment of the sensing and computing systems, a comparison of electric and combustion engine-powered vehicles, and an evaluation of how autonomous vehicles could impact traffic flow.  He will also discuss the potential impacts of LED lights and other emering technologies.

Following Keoleian’s presentation, Meijer will introduce a new exhibit at the center, “Earth Day Every Day: Meijer and Environmental Sustainability,” which traces the company’s practices and initiatives from the 1970s through the present day with artifacts from the Meijer archives and departments across the company.  The Meijer Heritage Center opened in September 2016 to inform and inspire visitors with the Meijer story featuring its legacy – past, present and future. Twelve exhibit areas and eight media stations present the company’s rich history, drawing on an expansive collection of documents, photographs and artifacts from the Meijer archives.

This month’s forum is presented by Meijer.

July Forum:  Sustainable Futures? Impact of Autonomous Vehicles, LEDs, and Other Emerging Technologies
Monday, July 16 / 12 to 2 pm
Fred Meijer Office Buiding
2929 Walker Ave NW
Members: $15 online / $20 at event
Non-members: $20 online / $30 at event