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SMG-managed Van Andel Arena receives Biggest Loser Recognition
from the Michigan Battle of the Buildings in 2018
05/09/2019
Grand Rapids — SMG-managed Van Andel Arena was awarded the title of 2018 Biggest Loser in the Michigan Battle of the Buildings competition.Over one thousand buildings across the state competed in the year-long energy and water reduction competition hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan (USGBC-WM) and sponsored by Consumers Energy, DTE Energy and the Michigan Energy Office.
Van Andel Arena reduced energy consumption by a total of 12% to take home first place in the Entertainment category. SMG staff at Van Andel Arena engaged in action to cut their energy waste in a variety of ways. Among many initiatives, SMG completed a four-year project of compressor rebuilds and installed new LED aisle lights in the bowl of the arena as well as various office and meeting spaces. New variable frequency drives were installed on motors to increase energy efficiency, and the maintenance department utilized more ways recycle indoor air and use the outdoor air for cooling when possible.
“We are always looking for ways to reduce waste and be more energy efficient,” said SMG Assistant General Manager Eddie Tadlock. “It’s gratifying to know we reside in a community that places a high priority on environmental impact. We are honored to be recognized for our efforts in reducing our carbon footprint. It is a privilege to be a part of this competition with other organizations that are actively working to make better and more efficient use of our energy resources.”
“Deep reductions like this are a great example of what can be accomplished when you take a deliberate approach to energy efficient operations,” said Cheri Holman, Executive Director, USGBC-WM. “Dollars saved on energy conservation will filter straight to the company’s bottom line.”
For more information about the Michigan Battle of the Buildings, please visit https://michiganbattleofthebuildings.org/.
About SMG
Van Andel Arena is managed by SMG. Founded in 1977, SMG provides management services to 243 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theaters, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 19 million square feet of exhibition space and more than 1.5 million sports and entertainment seats. As a recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services for such landmark facilities as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Houston’s NRG Park and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering companies, currently serving more than 140 accounts worldwide. For more information visit www.smgworld.com.
About Michigan Battle of the Buildings
Michigan Battle of the Buildings has been a program of the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan since 2014. It is the only statewide biggest-loser styled energy competition in the country. Last year, the competitors avoided the equivalent of $7.6 million in utility costs, putting that money back into their businesses and the local economy. For more information on the program, please visit https://michiganbattleofthebuildings.org/.
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