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.