ASM Global’s Sustainability Conversion of U.S. Venue Portfolio Moves Forward With Voltus Partnership
January 25, 2024
Venue management company and live event producer ASM Global and distributed energy resource (DER) platform and virtual power plant operator Voltus Inc. announced a partnership designed to help ASM Global reduce energy consumption across all its convention and entertainment venues located in wholesale and regulated power markets in the U.S.
Voltus helps deliver less expensive, more reliable and more sustainable electricity, paying energy users to reduce or shift electricity use in response to grid stress, high prices and high emissions. Its commercial and industrial customers, as well as DER partners, generate cash by allowing Voltus to maximize the value of their flexible load, distributed generation, energy storage, energy efficiency and electric vehicle resources in these markets.
“Consuming clean energy and becoming more efficient is an integral aspect of becoming carbon neutral,” said Doug Thornton, ASM Global executive vice president. “By participating in demand response programs with Voltus, we’re able to reduce energy use during times that are often associated with the highest emissions.”
Why it matters
Boasting more than 40 sites, ASM Global and its customers comprise the largest collection of certified green venues in the world, including the following convention centers:
- Colorado Convention Center
- Broward County Convention Center
- Hawai’i Convention Center
- Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
- Huntington Place
- David L. Lawrence Convention Center
- Los Angeles Convention Center
- Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas
- Las Cruces Convention Center
- Greater Columbus Convention Center
- Jekyll Island Convention Center
- Knoxville Convention Center
Earlier in 2023, the company’s sustainability arm, ASM Global Acts, announced an ambitious plan to convert its venue portfolio into the most sustainable in the world, reducing energy consumption by 25% by 2030 from 2023’s baseline and becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
So far, Voltus has been deployed at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, and the number of participating venues will steadily expand as ASM Global deploys the partnership. According to ASM Global officials, multiple convention centers have already been inquiring and initiating engagement with Voltus to learn more about the opportunity since it was first announced internally in November.
“Participating in demand response with Voltus has been one of the easiest ways to reduce our Scope 2 carbon emissions,” said Ryan Buries, assistant general manager, David L. Lawrence Convention Center. “In addition, we’re able to instantly view avoided emissions to include in our overall sustainability reporting, along with viewing real-time energy consumption both during and outside of dispatches to improve overall energy efficiency efforts.”
Big picture
Todd Krause, chief revenue officer at Voltus, expressed excitement about the partnership, which will help ASM Global and its venues further their energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
“ASM Global’s managed venues are staples within cities and communities,” Krause said. “Now, not only are they getting paid to reduce energy and emissions in those regions for financial, environmental, safety and health benefits, but they’re also supporting the growth of renewable energy.”
He added, “Providing flexible resources to balance the supply variability associated with renewables helps remove barriers to growth of renewable generation. This partnership is a win on multiple fronts.”
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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