Recognized as the world’s first LEED Platinum City, Washington, DC boasts the most LEED-certified buildings in the US. With its goal to achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2032 and participating in the Global Destination Sustainability Index Assessment, among other environmental strategies, the city has become a leader in sustainability. Destination DC (DDC), the city’s official destination marketing organization, has appointed a dedicated sustainability manager to develop and implement a strategy to address sustainable practices for meetings and conventions. DDC has also launched the Sustainability District to recognize businesses and destination suppliers who are committed to eco-friendly practices, from attractions and transportation companies to tour operators and hotels, including Eaton DC and Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown. Eaton DC hotel in downtown DC is LEED Gold certified with a comprehensive sustainability strategy to minimize waste and emissions, including recycling rainwater, utilizing energy-efficient technologies, eliminating food waste and using local ingredients, and choosing sustainably-sourced construction materials and furnishings. This unique 209-room boutique hotel, that also offers 12,000 sq. ft. of event space, a screening theatre and radio station, a rooftop bar and lounge and co-working space, is a gathering place for creatives, forward-thinkers and grassroots initiatives. At the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown, sustainability “is just a part the fabric throughout the hotel,” says Diana Bulger, area director of public relations. From eliminating single-use In a city that is committed to sustainability and strives to be the healthiest, greenest and most livable in the nation, planners can confidently minimize the environmental impact of their meetings. 25+ hotels within walking distance of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center Bike share program boasts 7,000+ bikes, 1,000 e-bikes and 700 stations 140+ miles of bike lanes and paths DC Circulator offers low-cost public transportation to city’s main attractions City plans to have a 100% zero-emissions bus fleet by 2045 7,800 acres of parkland and 37% of DC is covered by trees 5.7 million sq. ft. of green roofs have been installed Eco-Excellence Green Meet in Washington plastics and offering refillable water stations on guestroom floors and in all meeting room areas to retrofitting the entire 413-room hotel with energy-efficient lighting and installing solar panels, “we have lots of initiatives in place,” she says. For the F&B program, ingredients are sourced locally, “all within about a 150-mile radius,” notes Bulger, “and we measure our food waste with an Orbisk.” The culinary team also uses the honey harvested from the rooftop hives. Planners can use the Accor Net Zero Carbon Calculator to calculate their event’s carbon footprint and purchase carbon offset credits to balance the remaining emissions. Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown Eaton DC
