Plan a more sustainable meeting in Washington, DC
The world’s first LEED Platinum city makes it easier for meeting planners to build sustainability into every stage of an event, with green venues, hotels, transportation and experiences across the destination
DC is a top destination for events looking to improve their sustainability. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to supporting clean energy innovation and public transport, Washington, DC has a long history of improving its environmental standards.
Consistently recognised as the leading U.S. city in the Global Destination Sustainability Index and home to the nation’s #1 parks system for five consecutive years, the capital combines ambitious climate action with exceptional access to green space. The local team at Destination DC is also on hand to help international associations create more sustainable events.
Hotels and venues across the city have invested heavily in sustainable initiatives, including improved recycling programmes, energy-efficient lighting systems and refillable water stations. Catering partners support local businesses and collaborate on eco-friendly menus, while delegates can easily walk, cycle or use public transport between venues and for leisure programmes.
Sustainable event venues
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center (WEWCC) is the largest venue in the city offering extensive space and support for large events. Sustainability has been embedded in the Centre since its design and continues through its maintenance and operations.
Awarded the LEED Platinum certification in 2025, DC's convention centre boasts many environmental initiatives from adaptable LED lighting systems to turning wood pallets into mulch on site, energy and resource efficiency measures and waste minimisation and recycling programmes. On-site experts take pride in demonstrating how sustainability can be prioritised without compromising excellence and can assist with event marketing to raise awareness.
There are 30 hotels within walking distance or the venue can be accessed by delegates using a dedicated Metro stop and surrounding bus stops.
And there are many other fabulous venues boasting a strong environmental ethos. From La Cosecha, a Latin American food hall, to the Right Proper Brewing Company, The Fairmont Washington DC’s rooftop bee programme and Nationals Park - the country's first major professional stadium to become LEED Silver certified - planners can choose from a wealth of exciting venues with a proven commitment to sustainability.
Getting around
From global arrival to getting around the city, DC’s infrastructure can help reduce transportation impacts. Extensive nonstop airlift, including capital-to-capital routes, limits the need for connecting flights, while Metro access from both Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan National Airport plus a walkable convention campus can reduce reliance on ground transportation and event shuttles.
Getting around Washington, DC is easy, sustainable and often car-free. The city was the first in North America to launch a public bike-share scheme, and delegates can hire bikes through Capital Bikeshare or choose from thousands of e-bikes and e-scooters available across the city.
Washington's Metrorail connects the airports, convention venues, hotels, neighbourhoods and major attractions, with delegates able to pay using a contactless credit or a Smart Trip® card on both Metrorail and Metrobus services.
For more sustainable events, Metrobus operates one of the largest alternative-fuel bus fleets in the United States and is continuing its transition to a zero-emission fleet.
Destination DC’s Convention Services
Contact the team for help planning and executing meetings in the USA’s capital. From hotel and venue sourcing, permits, transportation and logistics, community engagement, event staffing and planning resources, they’re on hand to provide expert assistance.
Learn more about hosting meetings in Washington, DC