Washington DC Event Planner Guide - 2025 Event Planning Guide

Sustainability & Stewardship IN DC

PAVING THE WAY TO SUSTAINABLE MEETINGS

Local leaders are ensuring Washington, DC is a place to proudly show off for generations to come:

• First LEED-certified city in the world

• Walter E. Washington Convention Center, LEED Platinum certification (2024)

• Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act: the city plans to adopt a Net Zero Energy building code by 2026, improve energy efficiency of existing buildings and reach 100 percent renewable electricity by 2032. Meetings and events play a role in the stewardship of our destination through community relationships and by influencing stakeholders in conservation efforts. Destination DC supports corporate social responsibility, helps groups reduce their carbon footprint and provides information about volunteering and giving back.

MINIMIZE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

DC was the first city in North America to launch a bikeshare system. Capital Bikeshare is popular for commuting, and it’s easy with more than 700 stations and 7,000 bikes in the DC area.

More than 1,500 buses operated by Metro run on alternative fuel that is less harmful to the environment. Metro aims for a 100 percent zero-emissions bus fleet by 2042.

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) hosted 25,000 attendees for its 2024 fall meeting in DC without a shuttle.

We selected DC largely because the city is so walkable and has excellent public transportation. AGU never shuttles for large meetings as it’s a carbon and financial expenditure, and we had excellent feedback from our attendees. DC is a great choice for any planner looking to leverage local transportation options and eliminate shuttles. 

-Lauren Parr, senior vice president, American Geophysical Union

#1 PARKS SYSTEM IN THE COUNTRY -Trust for Public Land, 2024
#2 U.S. CITY WITH THE MOST ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED BUILDINGS -U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2023
#3 AMONG NORTH AMERICAN CITIES FOR SUSTAINABILITY -Corporate Knights, 2022