While Cobo Center faces a major change with the recent announcement of Chemical Bank purchasing its naming rights, the convention center is continuing on in its commitment to sustainability practices.
Cobo officials have announced that the 17th largest convention center in the country has been recertified to the Event Industry Council’s Accepted Practices Exchange/American Society for Testing and Materials International (APEX/ASTM) Sustainable Meeting Standard for venues.
What’s more, the Cobo Center Green Committee is currently in the process of attaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification with the U.S Green Buildings Council.
"2019 is shaping up to be a big year for our green team," says Claude Molinari, general manager of Cobo Center.
"Each year we strengthen our green operations and our contribution to the greater Detroit sustainability action agenda."
Since 2018, the center has donated materials leftover from conventions and meetings to local organizations, including wood, metal, and carpet. Other items, like plants, clothing, food, and giveaways, are donated to local non-profits and schools.
Cobo first received the APEX/ASTM Standard certification in 2015.
Additional Cobo Center sustainability practices include a living green roof, energy efficient HVAC equipment, low-flow restroom and kitchen equipment, and more.
Cobo’s work has paid off. The convention center has been chosen as the host site for its second Sustainable Brands conference in three years. Having first hosted the event in 2017, Cobo will again host the Sustainable Brands conference June 4-6 this summer.
"Sustainable Brands is excited to continue to partner with suppliers and venues like Cobo who demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices," says David Fiss, CMP and director of business development and event strategy for Sustainable Brands.
"Cobo’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has demonstrated how leadership and teamwork can achieve very high goals."
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