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Sustainable Meetings in a Sustainable City—Washington, DC

Washington, DC boasts a range of practices and policies that make environmental accountability a priority for residents and visitors alike, allowing them to adopt sustainable measures more readily than other cities. With close proximity to a diverse range of national parks, including the National Mall, residents are often found walking to their next destination.

Here are ten more reasons why Washington, DC is a top sustainable city for your next event:

1. Washington, DC is the 1st LEED Platinum City in the World, according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

2. The Clean Energy DC Act, passed in December 2018, is the first U.S. 100 percent renewable energy bill and the most aggressive, fastest-acting climate change legislation in the country.

3. With 7,800 acres of parkland, the District has the most park space among the most populous cities in the U.S. (DOEE).

4. In 2019, Washington, DC was ranked #4 Greenest City in the U.S. by WalletHub.

5. The Washington Nationals ballpark is the country’s first LEED Silver certified ballpark (USGBC).

6. Thirty-five associations, policy groups and advocacy organizations in the metro area focus on sustainability.

7. Washington, DC was the first jurisdiction in North America to launch a bikeshare system, which now has more than 4,000 bikes and 500 stations.

8. Through the Sustainable DC Plan, the District has committed to sending zero waste to landfill and reducing waste generated by 15% by 2032.

9. Fifty-eight percent of commuter trips in DC are by bike, walking or public transit and the DC government is 100 percent powered by renewable energy (USGBC).

10. USGBC, creator of LEED, is one of dozens of environmental agencies headquartered in DC.

Learn more about planning your sustainable meeting in Washington, DC here.