Altogether SMG-managed Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place were up for three separate Downtown Awards this year. The Downtown Awards is a program to recognize exceptional accomplishments in the ongoing investment in downtown Grand Rapids through seven different categories. Now, the Downtown Alliance has announced the winners and DeVos Place is among the list.
Having enacted a variety of tactics to make DeVos Place energy efficient and sustainable, downtown Grand Rapids' own convention center was awarded a Downtown Award in the category of Sustainability. DeVos Place is committed to increasing economic and environmental efficiency by minimizing the use of resources and reducing the amount of waste produced from meetings, banquets and trade shows. Within this past year, DeVos Place has also installed two electric car charging stations to continue their efforts.
“I'm sure I can speak for everyone at SMG Grand Rapids when I say we are humbled to be recognized for these very special awards. There are many great organizations and entities downtown who are doing spectacular things, so for The Downtown Awards, coming from community members who see what we do day in and day out, to recognize us for our green efforts is truly rewarding,” said Richard MacKeigan, SMG Regional General Manager for DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena.
A leader amongst venues, DeVos Place emphasizes reduce, reuse and recycle practices to become as energy efficient as possible. We have adopted the latest methodologies in sustainability into practice, such as a membrane style roof that is light in color to help reflect heat away from the building, thereby reducing energy costs. To help minimize power usage, the building also uses a computer controlled lighting and HVAC system. The system is designed to control lights, heating and cooling during peak event activities.
