Huntington Place Makes Sustainability the Resolution of 2025
|
As we step into 2025, there’s no better time to commit to sustainability as our collective New Year’s resolution. At Huntington Place, sustainability has been at the heart of our operations since we achieved LEED certification in 2019. But we believe it’s our responsibility to go beyond our venue and inspire others to take bold steps toward a greener future. Many have said this, even our Director of Operations, Cedric Turnbore says, “You have to spend green to be green.” However, we have found that with a little more creativity, you may be closer to reaching your sustainability goals than you think. In 2024, Huntington Place achieved an ambitious 54% waste diversion rate—a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. Along the way, we discovered creative strategies that made our goals attainable and even uncovered resources we’d overlooked for years. Here are some key tips and tricks from our journey that might inspire your venue to make 2025 a sustainable success: |
|
Leverage Energy Rebates |
|
Sustainability often involves upfront costs, but there are programs that can help ease the financial burden. For example, we partnered with the Detroit’s energy company’s sustainable lighting program, which provided substantial rebates for installing energy-efficient lighting throughout our venue. This upgrade not only reduced energy consumption but also improved safety and aesthetics by brightening up a connected street. The positive feedback from police officers and employees working late hours affirmed the value of this investment. |
|
Revisit Your Construction Materials |
|
One unexpected win for us came from an untapped resource: construction materials. We had accumulated thousands of pounds of concrete that had been sitting unused. We realized these materials could be donated or repurposed, contributing significantly to our waste diversion goals. Take a close look at any construction materials from past projects you’ve stored away—or plan ahead to recycle or donate materials in future renovations. |
|
Sustainable Vendor |
|
Working with vendors that prioritize sustainability is another impactful way to practice environmental responsibility. By ensuring your vendors use recycled materials or implement sustainable practices for handling leftover or returned materials, you can extend your sustainability efforts beyond your organization. Collaborating with like-minded partners not only supports a greener supply chain but also reinforces your commitment to making a positive environmental impact. |
|
Composting Initiatives |
|
This year, we’re taking our composting efforts to the next level. Our Director of Operations, Cedric Turnbore, introduced a new program that places compost bins in our meeting room spaces, allowing guests to dispose of food waste directly into our compost stream. This simple change makes it easy for attendees to contribute to our sustainability goals and reinforces our commitment to reducing landfill waste. |
|
Think Creatively |
|
Being sustainable often requires thinking outside the box. Whether it’s finding new uses for old materials, taking advantage of local energy programs, or involving your guests in waste reduction efforts, creativity can open doors to impactful solutions. Sustainability doesn’t have to mean doing more with less—it can mean doing more with what you already have. |
|
At Huntington Place, our sustainability journey has been about more than just meeting goals—it’s about leading by example and encouraging others to take action. We hope these insights inspire you to embrace sustainability in 2025. Together, we can make meaningful strides toward a greener, brighter future. Let’s make sustainability the resolution that lasts far beyond this year. |