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-square-foot space that not only displays the culture of 20 different Latin American countries but also can host meetings and events for up to 75.

Many vendors in the hall, such as Cafe Unido, are committed to using sustainable materials by:

• Working with sustainable suppliers
• Sourcing products from organizations that are committed to crop conversion and supporting local communities

The Catholic University of America Events and Conference Center is home to six LEED-certified buildings, many of which can hold meeting and events.

During the renovation of Father O'Connell Hall:

• 95 percent of the existing structure was reused
• 75 percent of demolition waste was diverted from the landfill
• 30 percent of indoor water usage is decreased with low-flow plumbing toilets 

The historic Heritage Hall, within O’Connell, can accommodate up to 500 attendees. Discover the many other sustainable spaces at CUA. 

Right Proper Brewing Company can host semi-private events for up to 80 guests in Shaw or outside with patio seating up to 20 in Brookland.

Its sustainability initiatives include:

• Using LED lights in the tasting rooms and production facilities
• Solar power, producing almost all of the company's consumed electricity  
• Donating spent grain  to local farmers

With 2,500 square feet of flexible taproom space in a 120-year-old historic Nabisco factory, Lost Generation can get creative with hosting events. This historic building offers a naturally beautiful setting with its original 20’ wooden cathedral ceilings, skylights and exposed interior brick. Its sustainability initiatives include:

• Donating spent grain to local farmers in eastern Maryland
• Composting program
• Locally sourced products and goods 

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.

Set in historic Georgetown, the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC prides itself on its sustainable initiatives, especially when booking events. The 222-key hotel has:

• An on-site ORCA machine, diverting food waste from landfills
• Water pitchers options instead of individual plastic water bottles for attendees
• Clean Green Certification by TRSA, which focuses on conservation in linen, facility and uniform services  
• A partnership with Clean World to recycle soaps and toiletries

Romoff Media

In 2024, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center was awarded LEED platinum certification for its commitment 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

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
• The pioneering of 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 a central part of 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
• Uses Energy Star qualified appliances and monitors
• Low-flow faucet aerators
• Refurbished-recycled materials in furniture

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.
• The rooftop houses a herb garden and wind turbine.
• 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. The space will be transformed over the next two 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.

• Ten LEED certified buildings (including the Constitution Hall and Duber Hall where meeting space is available)
• Three-bin waste management system
• Accredited and award-winning campus arboretum

Southwest DC

The Wharf along the Southwest Waterfront has many sustainable options. The area looks to have all individual building target LEED Gold and Silver certifications. 

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 the landfill
• Flooring made from low VOC
• Buildings comprised of recycled content

The LEED-NC Silver Anthem is a music venue and auditorium on the Potomac River. This 54,000-square-foot space can hold up to 3,200 attendees seated and 6,000 standing. The Anthem focuses on sustainable ways to host meetings concerts and large-scale events by:  

• Donating excess food
• Water refill stations
• Hiring an internal sustainability team

Audi Field is the home of Washington Spirit, D.C. United, 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 energy
• LED field lighting
• 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
• Water filtration system saving 3.6 million gallons of water annually

Its 55,000 square 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 and floor-to-ceiling windows, create a diverse and exciting atmosphere.

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  
• Green roof for storm water control

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