Array
(
[id] => 314
[active] => 1
[city_id] => 58
[city_name] => Washington DC
[contact_name] => Shelby
[contact_surname] => Luzzi
[contact_email] => shelby@washington.org
[organisation] => Destination DC
[website] => https://washington.org/sustainability
[environmental_description] => Washington, DC’s LEED Platinum certification recognizes the city’s leadership in creating a sustainable and resilient environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting clean energy innovation and focusing on livability in all eight wards. Over the past two and a half years, Mayor Bowser’s administration has released Climate Ready DC, which was entered into one of the largest municipal onsite solar projects in the U.S.; launched Sustainable DC 2.0, and, most recently, signed the Clean Energy DC Act in December 2018, the nation’s first 100 percent renewable energy bill and the most aggressive, fastest-acting climate change legislation in the country.
With 40-plus hotels within walking distance of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the ease of commuting within the nation's capital is a key benefit for business travelers. DC sets the scene for sustainable commuting. In fact, 58 percent of commuter trips in DC are by bike, walking or public transit and the DC Government is 100 percent powered by renewable energy, according to USGBC.
Washington, DC has taken many steps to reducing consumption, reusing materials and recycling eligible waste throughout the city. In January 2010, the District encouraged residents to use reusable bags by implementing a five-cent charge for each disposable paper or plastic carryout bag purchased at a business selling food or alcohol. The majority of the proceeds from the carryout bag fee go into the new Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund.
[social_description] => Destination DC provides their clients with the Sustainability white paper (https://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=589658&pre=1#{%22issue_id%22:589658,%22numpages%22:1,%22page%22:1}) to help educate and guide their experience in the city.
The destination’s sustainability landing page (https://washington.org/sustainability) serves as a sustainable travel guide for green travelers, groups and meeting and event planners in Washington, DC. It includes a link to the city government’s Sustainable DC program, which sets the strategy for the city’s sustainability strategy. It also includes sustainable suppliers (hotels, restaurants and attractions) for leisure travelers, as well as sustainable suppliers (venues, transportation, group dining options, catering) for meeting planners.
Most recently, Destination DC launched The DEI District (https://washington.org/dei) in order for visitors to learn more about the people in the city and make connections with individuals from a variety of cultures, races and backgrounds. Destination DC is committed to showing locals and visitors alike that the District is a place that promotes and validates diversity, equity and inclusion. The DEI District page is meant to empower people by embracing the diversity in the city, learning about progress happening here and understanding ways to create lasting change within communities.
[supplier_description] => Destination DC’s Connected Community (https://washington.org/meetings/connected-community) initiative helps organizers planning events in DC to connect with community partners to develop programs aligned with their mission and values. There is a sustainability checklist that encourages planners to consider the environmental, human and economic pillars of sustainability while planning a meeting.
The Connected Community customized-program initiative works in collaboration with Serve DC, a public organization promoting service across the city with strategic community outreach and engagement. Serve DC connects individuals with meaningful volunteer opportunities and establishes partnerships with community- and faith-based organizations, the private sector, and local and federal government.
Destination DC’s Convention Sales & Services team will meet individually with event planners to develop personally-tailored programs. Some example programs include working with clients to:
• Create volunteer opportunities for your meeting’s attendees.
• Develop a values-focused scholarship for local schools or programs.
• Develop a program to ensure your conference creates zero waste, as well as a case study for other meetings.
• Implement a relevant day of awareness across the city or promote a cause aligning with your organization’s interests.
Your meeting. Your impact. Your legacy in Washington, DC.
[dmo_description] => The USA's capital has built a path towards greener living and meeting with more LEED-certified buildings than any other city in the U.S. and an accessible environment where every government building is powered by renewable energy. The Clean Energy DC Act, passed in December 2018, is the nation’s first 100 percent renewable energy bill and the most aggressive, fastest-acting climate change legislation in the country. DC has become a leader in sustainability, helping its businesses reduce their carbon footprints and sharing a common vision for a sustainable planet.
Sustainability means meeting our economic, social, and environmental needs while ensuring that future generations will also be able to meet their own needs. Economically, sustainability means growing our economy and ensuring that all DC residents have access to jobs; socially, it means ensuring fairness and providing equal opportunities for our entire population. For the health of our residents and the environment, we must protect the quality of our air and water and enhance our natural resources. A sustainable future will ensure equity and prosperity for every resident.
The DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) Urban Sustainability Administration’s mission is to develop innovative policies and programs to address sustainability, green building, green infrastructure, climate change, waste management and other cross-cutting environmental issues and increase the long-term environmental sustainability of the District.
Sustainable DC is the District’s strategy to make Washington, DC the healthiest, greenest, and most livable city in the nation by 2032. Led by the Urban Sustainability Administration at DOEE in conjunction with the Office of Planning, Sustainable DC is a collaborative effort involving the input and participation of thousands of members of the District community.
https://doee.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddoe/service_content/attachments/sdc%202.0%20Edits%20V2.5.pdf
[logo] => https://omni.gds.earth/storage/public_website/destination_logos/JycNZsrNOietMPfplCaV07b9WKQp8RmBguUo3luj.jpeg
[video] => https://youtu.be/zkjWQnN3InY
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[high_env_1] => 26
[high_env_2] => 16
[high_env_3] => 575
[high_soc_1] => 74.55
[high_soc_2] => 86.29
[high_soc_3] => 67
[high_sup_1] => 25
[high_sup_2] => 0
[high_sup_3] => 0
[high_dmo_1] => None
[high_dmo_2] => 0
[high_dmo_3] => None
[created_at] => 2022-11-09 12:01:56
[updated_at] => 2023-10-04 12:02:12
[year] => 2022
)
Array
(
[id] => 314
[year] => 2022
[city_id] => 58
[city_name] => Washington DC
[score_type] => city
[Total] => 41.79
[Total_rank] => 62
[Environment] => 63.33
[Environment_rank] => 27
[Social] => 60.53
[Social_rank] => 17
[Supplier] => 10.39
[Supplier_rank] => 44
[DMO] => 31.39
[DMO_rank] => 48
[longitude] => -77.03687070000001
[latitude] => 38.9071923
[population] => 705749
[country] => United States of America
[region] => North America
[created_at] => 2022-11-09 12:00:25
[updated_at] => 2022-11-09 12:00:25
)
Washington DC 2022 GDS-Index Report
Washington DC, United States of America
2022 Performance Overview
DMO
Supplier
Social
Environmental
Performance Highlights
Summary
Environmental
Supplier
Social
The USA's capital has built a path towards greener living and meeting with more LEED-certified buildings than any other city in the U.S. and an accessible environment where every government building is powered by renewable energy. The Clean Energy DC Act, passed in December 2018, is the nation’s first 100 percent renewable energy bill and the most aggressive, fastest-acting climate change legislation in the country. DC has become a leader in sustainability, helping its businesses reduce their carbon footprints and sharing a common vision for a sustainable planet.
Sustainability means meeting our economic, social, and environmental needs while ensuring that future generations will also be able to meet their own needs. Economically, sustainability means growing our economy and ensuring that all DC residents have access to jobs; socially, it means ensuring fairness and providing equal opportunities for our entire population. For the health of our residents and the environment, we must protect the quality of our air and water and enhance our natural resources. A sustainable future will ensure equity and prosperity for every resident.
The DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) Urban Sustainability Administration’s mission is to develop innovative policies and programs to address sustainability, green building, green infrastructure, climate change, waste management and other cross-cutting environmental issues and increase the long-term environmental sustainability of the District.
Sustainable DC is the District’s strategy to make Washington, DC the healthiest, greenest, and most livable city in the nation by 2032. Led by the Urban Sustainability Administration at DOEE in conjunction with the Office of Planning, Sustainable DC is a collaborative effort involving the input and participation of thousands of members of the District community.
https://doee.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddoe/service_content/attachments/sdc%202.0%20Edits%20V2.5.pdf
Washington, DC’s LEED Platinum certification recognizes the city’s leadership in creating a sustainable and resilient environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting clean energy innovation and focusing on livability in all eight wards. Over the past two and a half years, Mayor Bowser’s administration has released Climate Ready DC, which was entered into one of the largest municipal onsite solar projects in the U.S.; launched Sustainable DC 2.0, and, most recently, signed the Clean Energy DC Act in December 2018, the nation’s first 100 percent renewable energy bill and the most aggressive, fastest-acting climate change legislation in the country.
With 40-plus hotels within walking distance of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the ease of commuting within the nation's capital is a key benefit for business travelers. DC sets the scene for sustainable commuting. In fact, 58 percent of commuter trips in DC are by bike, walking or public transit and the DC Government is 100 percent powered by renewable energy, according to USGBC.
Washington, DC has taken many steps to reducing consumption, reusing materials and recycling eligible waste throughout the city. In January 2010, the District encouraged residents to use reusable bags by implementing a five-cent charge for each disposable paper or plastic carryout bag purchased at a business selling food or alcohol. The majority of the proceeds from the carryout bag fee go into the new Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund.
Destination DC’s Connected Community (https://washington.org/meetings/connected-community) initiative helps organizers planning events in DC to connect with community partners to develop programs aligned with their mission and values. There is a sustainability checklist that encourages planners to consider the environmental, human and economic pillars of sustainability while planning a meeting.
The Connected Community customized-program initiative works in collaboration with Serve DC, a public organization promoting service across the city with strategic community outreach and engagement. Serve DC connects individuals with meaningful volunteer opportunities and establishes partnerships with community- and faith-based organizations, the private sector, and local and federal government.
Destination DC’s Convention Sales & Services team will meet individually with event planners to develop personally-tailored programs. Some example programs include working with clients to:
• Create volunteer opportunities for your meeting’s attendees.
• Develop a values-focused scholarship for local schools or programs.
• Develop a program to ensure your conference creates zero waste, as well as a case study for other meetings.
• Implement a relevant day of awareness across the city or promote a cause aligning with your organization’s interests.
Your meeting. Your impact. Your legacy in Washington, DC.
Destination DC provides their clients with the Sustainability white paper (https://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=589658&pre=1#{%22issue_id%22:589658,%22numpages%22:1,%22page%22:1}) to help educate and guide their experience in the city.
The destination’s sustainability landing page (https://washington.org/sustainability) serves as a sustainable travel guide for green travelers, groups and meeting and event planners in Washington, DC. It includes a link to the city government’s Sustainable DC program, which sets the strategy for the city’s sustainability strategy. It also includes sustainable suppliers (hotels, restaurants and attractions) for leisure travelers, as well as sustainable suppliers (venues, transportation, group dining options, catering) for meeting planners.
Most recently, Destination DC launched The DEI District (https://washington.org/dei) in order for visitors to learn more about the people in the city and make connections with individuals from a variety of cultures, races and backgrounds. Destination DC is committed to showing locals and visitors alike that the District is a place that promotes and validates diversity, equity and inclusion. The DEI District page is meant to empower people by embracing the diversity in the city, learning about progress happening here and understanding ways to create lasting change within communities.
Summary
The USA's capital has built a path towards greener living and meeting with more LEED-certified buildings than any other city in the U.S. and an accessible environment where every government building is powered by renewable energy. The Clean Energy DC Act, passed in December 2018, is the nation’s first 100 percent renewable energy bill and the most aggressive, fastest-acting climate change legislation in the country. DC has become a leader in sustainability, helping its businesses reduce their carbon footprints and sharing a common vision for a sustainable planet.
Sustainability means meeting our economic, social, and environmental needs while ensuring that future generations will also be able to meet their own needs. Economically, sustainability means growing our economy and ensuring that all DC residents have access to jobs; socially, it means ensuring fairness and providing equal opportunities for our entire population. For the health of our residents and the environment, we must protect the quality of our air and water and enhance our natural resources. A sustainable future will ensure equity and prosperity for every resident.
The DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) Urban Sustainability Administration’s mission is to develop innovative policies and programs to address sustainability, green building, green infrastructure, climate change, waste management and other cross-cutting environmental issues and increase the long-term environmental sustainability of the District.
Sustainable DC is the District’s strategy to make Washington, DC the healthiest, greenest, and most livable city in the nation by 2032. Led by the Urban Sustainability Administration at DOEE in conjunction with the Office of Planning, Sustainable DC is a collaborative effort involving the input and participation of thousands of members of the District community.
https://doee.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddoe/service_content/attachments/sdc%202.0%20Edits%20V2.5.pdf
Does Destination DC have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Washington DC have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Destination DC report on its sustainability performance?
Environmental
Washington, DC’s LEED Platinum certification recognizes the city’s leadership in creating a sustainable and resilient environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting clean energy innovation and focusing on livability in all eight wards. Over the past two and a half years, Mayor Bowser’s administration has released Climate Ready DC, which was entered into one of the largest municipal onsite solar projects in the U.S.; launched Sustainable DC 2.0, and, most recently, signed the Clean Energy DC Act in December 2018, the nation’s first 100 percent renewable energy bill and the most aggressive, fastest-acting climate change legislation in the country.
With 40-plus hotels within walking distance of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the ease of commuting within the nation's capital is a key benefit for business travelers. DC sets the scene for sustainable commuting. In fact, 58 percent of commuter trips in DC are by bike, walking or public transit and the DC Government is 100 percent powered by renewable energy, according to USGBC.
Washington, DC has taken many steps to reducing consumption, reusing materials and recycling eligible waste throughout the city. In January 2010, the District encouraged residents to use reusable bags by implementing a five-cent charge for each disposable paper or plastic carryout bag purchased at a business selling food or alcohol. The majority of the proceeds from the carryout bag fee go into the new Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund.
OF ELECTRICITY FROM RENEWABLES
HECTARES OF GREEN AREA PER 100 000 POPULATION
Supplier
Destination DC’s Connected Community (https://washington.org/meetings/connected-community) initiative helps organizers planning events in DC to connect with community partners to develop programs aligned with their mission and values. There is a sustainability checklist that encourages planners to consider the environmental, human and economic pillars of sustainability while planning a meeting.
The Connected Community customized-program initiative works in collaboration with Serve DC, a public organization promoting service across the city with strategic community outreach and engagement. Serve DC connects individuals with meaningful volunteer opportunities and establishes partnerships with community- and faith-based organizations, the private sector, and local and federal government.
Destination DC’s Convention Sales & Services team will meet individually with event planners to develop personally-tailored programs. Some example programs include working with clients to:
• Create volunteer opportunities for your meeting’s attendees.
• Develop a values-focused scholarship for local schools or programs.
• Develop a program to ensure your conference creates zero waste, as well as a case study for other meetings.
• Implement a relevant day of awareness across the city or promote a cause aligning with your organization’s interests.
Your meeting. Your impact. Your legacy in Washington, DC.
OF HOTEL ROOMS SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
OF VENUES SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
Social
Destination DC provides their clients with the Sustainability white paper (https://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=589658&pre=1#{%22issue_id%22:589658,%22numpages%22:1,%22page%22:1}) to help educate and guide their experience in the city.
The destination’s sustainability landing page (https://washington.org/sustainability) serves as a sustainable travel guide for green travelers, groups and meeting and event planners in Washington, DC. It includes a link to the city government’s Sustainable DC program, which sets the strategy for the city’s sustainability strategy. It also includes sustainable suppliers (hotels, restaurants and attractions) for leisure travelers, as well as sustainable suppliers (venues, transportation, group dining options, catering) for meeting planners.
Most recently, Destination DC launched The DEI District (https://washington.org/dei) in order for visitors to learn more about the people in the city and make connections with individuals from a variety of cultures, races and backgrounds. Destination DC is committed to showing locals and visitors alike that the District is a place that promotes and validates diversity, equity and inclusion. The DEI District page is meant to empower people by embracing the diversity in the city, learning about progress happening here and understanding ways to create lasting change within communities.
75
SDG IMPLEMENTATION SCORE
86
SCORE ON SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX
67
SCORE ON CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX
About the Global Destination Sustainability Movement
The Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDSM) brings together the sustainability pioneers of the business and leisure tourism world, working with destinations to co-create their tourism and events strategies, benchmark and improve their sustainability performance and transform value chains in order to catalyse regeneration.
Our purpose is to engage, inspire and enable the business events and tourism industry to become more sustainable and regenerative.
Our Methodology
In 2022 the GDS-Index used 70 indicators that evaluate destinations sustainability performance across four key areas. If you are interested, you can read our benchmarking methodology in detail here.
Environmental
Performance
Climate, Energy and Emissions
Circularity and Waste
Water
Air Quality
Transportation
Biodiversity
Social
Performance
SDG Alignment
Corruption
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Health, Safety and Wellness
Accessibility
Resident Engagement
Supplier
Performance
Hotels
Airport
Agencies (PCOs & DMCs)
Restaurants
Venues
Academia
Destination
Management
Performance
Destination Strategy
Governance and Reporting
Policy and Certification
Capacity Building
Measurement, Impact and Reporting
Marketing and Communications
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
Ownership
The GDSM is not owned by any one organisation. It is operated as a multi-stakeholder partnership founded and endorsed by IMEX, MCI, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA). Gubi Consulting and Guy Bigwood are responsible for the management of the Secretariat.
