Cobo Center Releases 2017 CSR and Sustainability Report

April 13, 2018

Last year was a pivotal one for Detroit’s Cobo Center and its environmental initiatives, which have been highlighted in its recently released 2017 Social Responsibility and Sustainability Report.

According to Claude Molinari, general manager of Cobo Center, each year the facility’s Green Committee makes great strides in expanding its environmental program, and last year was no exception. 

“We were recertified by the Green Meetings Industry Council (GMIC), hosted Sustainable Brands 2017, and made significant strides in our efforts on environmental and social stewardship of the Metro Detroit community,” Molinari explained.

Cobo’s green initiatives included the addition of honey bee hives and an herb garden on the 10,000 square foot green roof. The bees pollinate the plants, while the herbs and honey are used in the center’s kitchens as a highlight to locally grown ingredients used in the Center’s menus, according to Cobo officials.

In addition, an Executive Green Team was formed to provide resources and guidance to the facility’s Green Committee programs in an effort to strengthen the organizational efficiency of the efforts. 

The team immediately launched a new marketing campaign for sustainability, just in time for Sustainable Brands 2017, aptly named “Sustainability Lives Here,” which is broadcast over all marketing channels including digital signage, social media, digital marketing and banners and posters throughout the facility.

Other key green achievements listed in the 2017 report include:

  • During Sustainable Brands, Cobo Center achieved a 91 percent waste diversion rate, its highest ever for an event.
  • Worked closely with the iComply auditor to facilitate the venue portion of Sustainable Brands’ GMIC ISO 20121 Environmental Management System standard compliance for sustainable events.
  • Increased annual compost diversion by creating food court compost stations, purchasing all compostable service ware for use in the food courts and creating extensive training programs for staff.
  • Expanded the ongoing Cobo Cares program to include more free after-work health and wellness events for staff and visitors and community improvement events with Cobo volunteers serving to improve the Detroit community.
  • Established a permanent nursing mother’s room where families can have a quiet place to feed and nurture children during events.

“We understand the importance of both sustainable venue operations and corporate social responsibility in meeting the center’s development goals,” Molinari said. 

He added, “Giving our employees and visitors avenues toward health and wellness contribute to the longevity of the city and center’s success.”

In its efforts to further its green mission, Cobo has upped its own ante by setting some lofty sustainability goals for 2018as well as including social responsibility in its Green Committee initiatives.

Green objectives for this year include the purchase of two portable lactation stations; a newly designed green roof observation area for visitors that includes information signage, and visitor tours of Cobo Center that include highlights of the venue’s sustainable operations. 

To learn more about the Cobo Center’s annual Social Responsibility and Sustainability Report and its green initiatives, go HERE.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact