Guide to DC's Sustainable Event Spaces

Companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, energy-efficient lighting and reusable products to reduce their carbon footprints. Their efforts align with Washington, DC’s commitment to sustainability—a city that’s home to multiple key industries and shares a common vision for a sustainable future. Check out the variety of sustainable spaces the city boasts in each quadrant.

Northeast DC

 

La Cosecha - Tony Powell

La Cosecha, a Latin American food hall in the Union Market neighborhood, serves as a 20,000-sq.-foot space that not only displays the culture of 20 different Latin American countries but also can host meetings and events. Many vendors in the hall, such as Unidos Coffee Roasters and Amparo, are committed to using sustainable materials, minimizing waste and sourcing products from organizations that are committed to crop conversion. Book spaces to host 20 to 75 people for any type of gathering.

The Catholic University of America Events and Conference Center is home to six LEED-certified buildings, including the newly renovated Father O’Connell Hall. During the renovation, 95% of the existing structure was reused, 75% of demolition waste was diverted from the landfill and low-flow plumbing was installed to decrease 30% of indoor water use. The historic Heritage Hall, within O’Connell, can accommodate up to 400 attendees. Discover the many other sustainable spaces at CUA. 

Right Proper Brewing Company is run completely on solar power, producing almost all the company’s consumed electricity. As part of the leadership’s focus on the local community in Brookland, Shaw and soon Eckington, the independent craft brewery wants to minimize its environmental impact by returning to the roots of brewing. The company also uses LED lights in the tasting rooms and production facilities and gives spent grain away for free to local farmers. Host a semi-private event for up to 80 guests in Shaw or head outside with patio seating for up to 30 in Brookland.   

Northwest DC 

 

The Fairmont Washington DC is the first luxury hotel to establish an on-site, rooftop honeybee program to combat Colony Collapse Disorder. From June 1 to Aug. 31, attendees can take a tour of the rooftop hives, then dine at the ARC Restaurant + Bar for a 3-course Pollinator Menu. If a tour isn’t possible, taste the BeeTini at happy hour made with on-site honey at The Courtyard Bar. Other notable initiatives include the hotel’s efforts to donate used cooking oil and grease and measure, monitor and report their greenhouse gas emissions. 

Set in historic Georgetown, the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC prides itself on its sustainable initiatives, especially when booking events. Planners and attendees can opt for water pitchers over individual plastic water bottles and catered organic meals. The Forbes five-star hotel also is part of initiatives such as Clean Green Certified by TRSA that focuses on conservation in linen, uniform and facility services, on-site ORCA machine that diverts food waste from landfills and Clean World that recycles soaps and toiletries. See here for a full list of initiatives.

Romoff Media

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by  initiatives such as low-emission glass that controls heat and maximizes natural lighting; energy-conserving heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that operate in zones; high-efficiency lighting; automatic controls on restroom fixtures; plus recycling programs and easy public transportation access. In 2024, the facility was awarded LEED platinum certification for going above and beyond in its efforts. 

Green Michelin star restaurant Oyster Oyster focuses on supporting organic farms with closed loop packaging solutions and has omitted all single-use cans, bottles and plastics from their menu. They have pioneered a circular economy process, in collaboration with a local ceramics studio, to crush their glass wine bottles and repurpose them into custom plates. Book the Shroom Room for a private dining experience for up to ten people.  

Farmers Restaurant Group, the brand that runs Farmers & Distillers, Farmers Fishers Bakers and Founding Farmers, makes sustainability their mission and was named one of the “10 Most Sustainable Restaurants in America” by HuffPost. Great for an offsite meal, private dining experience or catering, the brand has in-house recycling and composting programs that keep 90 percent of waste out of landfills and uses Energy Star qualified appliances and monitors, low-flow faucet aerators, refurbished-recycled materials in furniture and green cleaning products. 

Eaton DC

Eaton DC integrates sustainability into every aspect of its experience, from hotel accommodations and event spaces to broader environmental initiatives. Guestrooms feature natural and organic mattresses and bathroom amenities, while the rooftop houses an herb garden and wind turbine. The hotel employs an aerobic food waste decomposition system that eliminates food waste on-site.

Monumental Sports, the operator of Capital One Arena in Chinatown, partnered with Baker Point Solar and WGL Energy Services to power their arena. The arena now operates using 25 percent solar energy. Capital One Arena will be transformed over the next three years. The Monumental team is keeping sustainability in mind as they pursue LEED certification and plan to incorporate carbon reduction and rainwater retention initiatives. During meetings, the arena holds flexible spaces that are perfect for larger receptions, award ceremonies or an intimate banquet gathering. 

As the first university to achieve carbon neutrality, American University places stainability at the forefront of its mission. With its certified arboretum on campus, 10 LEED certified buildings and three-bin waste management system, the university’s initiatives have contributed to its role as sustainability innovator. Meet in Constitution Hall or Duber Hall, both LEED certified. 

Southwest DC

 

The Wharf along the Southwest Waterfront has many sustainable options. Choose from InterContinental Washington, DC - The Wharf or the dual-branded property featuring the Hyatt House and Canopy by Hilton, all of which offer a variety of environmentally conscious meeting spaces with waterfront views. Highlights of the development’s sustainability initiatives include more than 87 percent of material being diverted from landfill and disposal, flooring made from low VOC and hotel buildings comprised of recycled content. Additionally, the Wharf looks to have all individual buildings target LEED Gold and Silver certifications.   

The LEED-NC Silver Anthem is a music venue and auditorium on the Potomac River. This 54,000 sq.-foot space can hold up to 3,200 attendees seated and 6,000 standing. By donating excess food, having water refill stations and hiring an internal sustainability team, the Anthem focuses on sustainable ways to host meetings, concerts and large-scale events. 

Audi Field is the home of D.C. United, Washington Spirit, DC Power FC and DC Defenders. The 20,000-seat field, which opened in July 2018, is not only LEED Gold certified, but also a partner to Recycle Track Systems and New Columbia Solar. The stadium has integrated solar, LED field lighting and stormwater management measures. The state-of-the-art stadium features flexible meeting space including 31 luxury suites, the Director’s Lounge for up to 200 guests, the Heineken Rooftop for 60 guests and the Events DC Club for all galas, dinner receptions and holiday parties. 

Southeast DC

 

Nationals Park is the nation’s first major professional stadium to become LEED Silver-certified. The project incorporates a variety of sustainable design elements including land repurposing near the Anacostia River, energy-conserving light fixtures and an intricate water filtration system that has saved 3.6 million gallons of water annually. Its 55,000 sq. feet of indoor club spaces and conference center are perfect for a business meeting, fundraising gala, convention party or large social event.  

At the edge of the Anacostia River directly across from Nationals Park, HQO is a stunning LEED Platinum-certified venue with a sleek modern facade made of undulating glass spanning three stories. The DC Water headquarters became the first new office building in North America to use wastewater thermal exchange systems to heat and cool the building when it opened in 2019. Indoor and outdoor spaces, including a rooftop with 360-degree views of Navy Yard, create a diverse and exciting atmosphere for attendees. The floor-to-ceiling windows flood the venue with natural light, while cutting-edge technology ensures any meeting runs smoothly.   

District Winery is DC’s first winery, boasting 17,000 sq. feet in Capitol Riverfront and overlooking the Anacostia River. The vibrant waterfront venue has LED lighting, energy-efficient equipment and a green roof for storm water control. Host meetings, corporate events, holiday parties and more. 

Shilling Cannery Factory is committed to sustainable practices that highlight local ingredients and responsible sourcing. Its menus change with the seasons to showcase peak produce and support regional farmers, while nearly everything is crafted in-house, including garnishes and herbs from the restaurant’s outdoor garden. Private dining is available for up to 40 guests and perfect for an intimate gathering.

 

Continue your exploration and plan your next meeting or event in Washington, DC.