Honey beehives and a rooftop herb garden sound like fun projects, but they’re also part of the Cobo Center’s sustainability program in Detroit, according to its Green Committee initiatives and 2017 annual report.
The 10,000-square-foot green roof herb garden and the honeybees work together. The honeybees pollinate the plants, and the herbs and honey are used in Cobo’s kitchens to highlight locally grown ingredients used in the center’s various menus.
They’re just two small parts of Cobo Center’s more ambitious plan to recognize the importance of both sustainable venue operations and corporate social responsibilities, says Claude Molinari, general manager of Cobo Center.
“2017 was a pivotal year for our sustainability program,” he explains. “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.”
To help promote Cobo’s practices, the center launched a new marketing campaign last year for sustainability called Sustainability Lives Here. Messages about the center’s sustainable efforts are broadcast through its digital signage, social media platforms, digital marketing, and on banners and posters in the facility.
Cobo Cares, another ongoing program, is designed to host community improvement events with Cobo volunteers, and after-work health and wellness events, some free, for staff and visitors.
More information on the annual report and Cobo Center green initiatives can be found at cobocenter.com/green.
Planners can email questions about Cobo Center green events to green@ cobocenter.com. The center’s website and its app also can help planners find sustainable transportation options and walkable local Detroit attractions.
