WASHINGTON, D.C. – Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, recently hosted its inaugural Sustainability Summit.
The collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), and the local hospitality community explored avenues to make Washington, D.C.’s tourism and events industry more sustainable. The Summit highlighted the city’s dedication to sustainability and key initiatives, including the 2040 zero waste commitment and the forthcoming Sustainable DC 3.0 Plan.
“We recognize our need to do more when it comes to sustainability, so the summit is a step in the right direction as we focus on what we can do collectively as destination stewards,” says Elliott L. Ferguson II, DCC president and CEO. “Destination DC’s Sustainability District is an opportunity for collaborative learning, fostering economic and social opportunities for small businesses and the local community, reinforcing our collective responsibility to build a sustainable and vibrant future for our nation’s capital.”
Ferguson moderated the event held at the Capital Turnaround; a sustainable venue in the historic Navy Yard Car Barn in D.C.’s Barracks Row neighborhood. The summit represented local and federal stakeholders and customers and featured a keynote address and panel. Speakers included:
- Vicki Arroyo, associate administrator for policy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (keynote speaker)
- Amy Hissrich, CAE, vice president, international affairs, ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
- Richard Jackson, director, DOEE
- Shelby Luzzi, senior manager, sustainability, Destination DC
- Brian Pasco, senior manager for national and long-distance advertising, Amtrak (case study for sustainable travel)
“Washington, D.C. is already a recognized leader in climate-related planning and action. I’m delighted to join this Destination DC conversation on how the tourism industry can build on these initiatives, taking climate-smart actions to support residents and visitors alike,” Arroyo says.
DDC launched the Sustainability District initiative in 2023. The program aims to work with businesses and destination suppliers throughout the hospitality industry committed to promoting a more sustainable place to live, visit, and meet. Currently, there are 27 members.
