Al Vasquez Takes the Helm as Chair of Detroit 2030 District, Spearheading Sustainable Building Practices for a Greener Future

Huntington Place/ASM Global is thrilled to share the exciting news that the venue is not only meeting but exceeding several operational goals and objectives set for 2024. These achievements mark a significant step toward aligning Huntington Place's sustainability initiatives with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals for the current year.

 

One of the noteworthy developments in this journey is the recent appointment of Al Vasquez, the director of engineering and facility services at Huntington Place, as the chairperson of the board of directors for the Detroit 2030 District. This prestigious role places Vasquez at the forefront of a national movement dedicated to creating high-performance buildings by mitigating the environmental impacts of construction and operations while maximizing building owners' return on investment. The Detroit 2030 District, being the third largest district in North America, encompasses over 62 million square feet of commercial space with the collaborative efforts of 500 building owners and managers working toward a common goal of reducing carbon emissions in the built environment.

Connie Lilley, the executive director of Detroit 2030 District, praised Vasquez’s wealth of experience and exceptional knowledge in energy efficiency and sustainability. She emphasized that Vasquez's track record of reducing operating expenses and establishing Huntington Place as a high-performance building serves as an exemplary model for other building owners and managers in Detroit. The Detroit 2030 District is enthusiastic about having Vasquez on board, recognizing the positive impact he can make within their organization.

 

Al Vasquez's new role as the chairperson of the board of directors for the Detroit 2030 District not only reflects his individual achievements but also signifies a significant stride in ASM Acts' unwavering commitment to the city of Detroit and Huntington Place's dedicated focus on environmental stewardship. This ambitious initiative, characterized by its measurability and transparency, intricately aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the organization's dedication to broader global objectives.

 

In a collaborative effort to fortify their sustainability endeavors, ASM Acts has strategically partnered with Honeycomb Strategies, a renowned company specializing in sustainable solutions for the event industry. Together, they aim to propel Huntington Place toward an even greener horizon by identifying and pursuing additional sustainable goals, engaging stakeholders, establishing robust data management systems, and implementing programs that actively measure and enhance environmental impact.

 

As part of this initiative, Honeycomb Strategies conducted a comprehensive Impact Assessment of Huntington Place's sustainability program in Nov. This assessment not only highlighted the venue's successes and opportunities but also provided valuable recommendations for the next steps and actions to take, emphasizing the potential impact on the venue, community and global ecosystems.

 

These strategic collaborations between ASM Acts, Huntington Place, and Honeycomb Strategies serve as a powerful testament to their collective determination to foster positive change. The goal is to ensure that every event hosted at Huntington Place becomes a catalyst for a more sustainable and resilient future, reinforcing the venue's position as a responsible and forward-thinking entity.

 

Bryan Crowe, the regional vice president of ASM Global, expressed immense pride in Al Vasquez's accomplishments and dedication. As Vasquez embarks on his role within the Detroit 2030 District, Crowe eagerly anticipates the positive impact that Vasquez's expertise and commitment to sustainability will have on Huntington Place and the broader community. With great confidence, Crowe looks forward to witnessing Vasquez's progress and contributions as he navigates this important initiative, reinforcing the organization's commitment to a more environmentally conscious and sustainable future.