Align Priorities with Place As the first LEED Platinum city in the world, Washington, DC has led the way in sustainability. Stemming from a commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050, eco-friendly initiatives are being implemented throughout the city. The local government is intent on being the healthiest, greenest city in the U.S. with the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act, which sets a mandate of 100 percent renewable energy by 2032. The Wharf, Southwest DC’s new waterfront development, was designed sustainably. Three central hotels —InterContinental Washington, DC-The Wharf and the dual branded Hyatt House and Canopy by Hilton—have achieved LEED Gold certification while so many other hotels throughout the city are LEED-Silver certified. The Fairmont in Georgetown and the Sofitel at Lafayette Square are home to rooftop honeybee hives whose bounty enhances signature dishes, pastries and cocktails. Downtown, the 2.3-million-square-foot Walter E. Washington Convention Center is the first convention center in the world to achieve the WELL Health Safety Rating through the International Well Building Institute. Its green features include an energy-conserving HVAC system and robust recycling program. A truly walkable destination, there are 40+ hotels near the convention centre, and the bike-share Discover Authentic Neighborhoods From the famed monuments of the National Mall and the museums and hip restaurants of Penn Quarter and Chinatown to Georgetown’s boutiques and galleries and the Wharf’s waterfront, DC’s diverse and unique neighborhoods define the city. A well-rounded program incorporates local experiences and the colourful U Street district is a favorite. Once the heart of DC’s African American culture, and the birthplace of go-go music, it is the place to be for its vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Take in a show at the historic Howard Theatre or hold a reception on its and public transport systems make it easy for delegates to get around, eliminating the need for shuttles. Locally-sourced dining is the trademark of many DC restaurants. Farmers Restaurant Group’s collection of eateries, many with private event spaces, are all LEED certified and everything on their menus is sustainably sourced and made from scratch, from the fresh bread to the award-winning spirits. Other DC restaurants that emphasize sustainably-sourced ingredients include Bresca, serving protein dishes with low impact on the environment; plant-focused Oyster Oyster, conserving water by not blanching large amounts of vegetables; and Salt Line, highlighting lesser-known fish varieties that are not being depleted in our oceans. With 24.1 percent of the city area reserved for parks and green spaces, there are lots of opportunities for fresh air functions. Rock Creek Park, twice the size of New York City’s Central Park, is a nature-lovers oasis allowing for outdoor team building activities as well as hiking, bicycling, golf, tennis and horseback riding. Recent renovations to Franklin Park, the largest green space in downtown DC, include a restored fountain plaza and conversational seating areas—and a glass-enclosed restaurant pavilion is in the works.