
“Cost-saving green business practices have been extremely positive for job creation and retention in the hospitality sector,” said Martin Dober, Vice President of New Markets of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). “Venues across the state are continuing to show their commitment to environmental responsibility by earning Green Venues accreditation.”
Cobo Center has implemented several environmental initiatives at the facility, including the following:
- The Cobo Center Green Committee meets several times monthly to promote sustainability practices and Green initiatives, and has members from every department and in-house contracting company.
- Property wide recycling effort. Materials recycled include cardboard, paper, glass, plastic, metal, and others;
- Purchasing minimum 30% post consumer recycled content paper products;
- Buy Fresh, Buy Local Initiative
- HVAC controlled by a computerized Energy Management System;
- Induction lighting in exhibit halls;
- Majority of lighting controlled by photocells, timer, occupancy sensors or by the energy management system
- Air curtains on doors of exhibit floor vestibule.
- Recent energy audit to help identify other energy conservation opportunities
Green Venues Michigan is a voluntary, non-regulatory certification program offered through the Michigan Energy Office at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation at no charge. The Michigan Energy Office provides technical assistance to those who are interested in implementing “green” strategies and earning certification. The GVM program certifies facilities based on environmental initiatives such as air quality, energy efficiency, solid waste reduction, toxic waste management, water conservation, purchasing and communication. There are three levels of certification: Partner, Steward, and Leader, which can be earned by completing a self-assessment checklist and achieving a minimum number of requirements and points.