Sustainability

DeVos Place and DeVos Performance Hall:

  • reduces energy costs by installing automated faucets and flushing systems (reduces water use and energy approx. 40% compared to traditional fixtures)
  • building has a membrane style roof that is light in color to reflect heat away from building
  • minimizes power usage by using computer controlled lighting and HVAC system
  • uses recycled office products and eliminated desktop printers by utilizing one central printer/copier whenever possible
  • green chemicals are used for cleaning and soap products in restrooms
  • initiated a single-stream recycling program with recycling stations positioned throughout DeVos Place
  • enacted Energy Management Programming in building supports systems
  • enacted Employee Energy Conservation Awareness Program
  • donates computers to non-profit organizations after office updates to reduce waste
  • promotes employee battery recycling with the support of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation
  • DeVos Place was recently recognized as a Green Venue by the state of Michigan, 2010. Green Venues Michigan is a statewide “green” certification program for entertainment venues, convention centers, and similar facilities. It is designed to encourage and assist facilities to adopt cost saving, green practices which conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. It was created by the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth (DELEG) and is administered by the Bureau of Energy Systems
  • As the exclusive food/beverage provider for DeVos Place and DeVos Performance Hall

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel has also adopted green initiatives including:

  • allowing the majority of condiments, beverages, and other food items at buffets and restaurants to be offered in bulk instead of individually packaged
  • buying food products from local farmers, including free range and organic products
  • offering vegetarian meal selections in all restaurants which consumes less land base and energy to produce
  • recycling leftover catering meals to “Oscars”, the in-house cafeteria for staff and donating food to Mel Trotter Ministries, God’s Kitchen, and other local soup kitchens
  • using locally based company “Spurt Industries” to process leftover food waste into compost (approx. 18,000 lbs of waste/month gets processed, the largest food waster recycler in downtown Grand Rapids)
  • utilizing reusable cutlery, dishware, and linens as well as silk centerpieces and soy-based tea lights to prevent unnecessary waste