Awards And Certifications From November 9-11
Chemical engineering and materials science doctoral student wins GreenUp Best Poster Award: Elvan Sari, a Wayne State University College of Engineering chemical engineering and materials science doctoral student, was the winner of the Best Poster Award at the Michigan Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference held at WSU. Sari's poster, titled "Production of Green Diesel from Brown Grease via Selective Decarboxylation," was inspired by the large amount of waste cooking oil and grease collected from restaurant traps every year in the United States. According to Sari, the study applied the principles of green chemistry and sustainable engineering such as renewable feedstocks, atom efficiency, energy efficiency, use of catalyst and accident prevention. Green diesel production with a low cost alternative technique was achieved while the expensive and hazardous chemicals use was greatly reduced compared to the existing processes. Poster authors included Sari, Manhoe Kim, Steven O. Salley, and K. Y. Simon Ng. More at www.engineering.wayne.edu.
Environmentally Green 'Gold' Communities Named: Michigan Green Communities named the top environmentally leading communities in the state at its annual conference in Lansing. Seven 'gold' communities, the highest honor, scored the highest on the Michigan Green Communities Challenge, which helps local leaders measure progress in implementing energy, economic development and environmental improvements. Gold communities were Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Delhi Township, Dexter, Oakland County, Rogers City and Williamstown Township. Silver communities were Curtis Township, Delta Township, Farmington Hills, Lathrup Village, Meridian Township, Monroe County, Quincy and Ypsilanti. Bronze communities were Ferndale, Fruitport, Novi, Saline and Troy. More at http://mml.org/green. The Challenge is supported by the Michigan Association of Counties, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Energy Office, Michigan Municipal League and Michigan Townships Association. It uses a rating system to recognize sustainability accomplishments and serves as a guide for community leaders looking to learn from their peers. Participation is free and open to all local governments in Michigan as part of the statewide Michigan Green Communities network that aims to support local sustainability efforts.
