Taking the Next Step
Sustainability is a journey. Below are resources from Destination DC (DDC), the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and more.
DDC Educational Resources
- The first steps in making your business more sustainable. Originally recorded for members of DEI Business Fellowship program.
- All about consumer demand, marketing strategies and certifications in the sustainability space.
- A recap from DDC’s last Sustainability Roundtable. The event is held twice annually, in January and July.
Local Plans & Financial Resources
- : Neighborhood-level green infrastructure, stormwater and water-quality initiatives in DC’s watershed.
- : Community-led guide and network supporting food justice and sustainability in underserved wards.
- Local farms, farmers' markets and food hubs.
- : A resilience framework helping businesses plan for extreme heat, flooding, sea-level rise and other climate risks.
- : Rebates, DC PACE financing, green roof and commercial clean energy incentives for local businesses.
- : resources and incentives for businesses in the District interested in becoming more sustainable.
- : small grant opportunities for businesses and organizations who seek to implement green initiatives or infrastructure.
- : An actionable roadmap on integrating energy, waste, water, equity and nature.
- A pathway to Zero Waste for the city, eventually diverting 80 percent of solid waste away from landfill and waste-to-energy by 2032.
- : Grants, loans and advisory services supporting BIPOC/women-owned small businesses in sustainability.
Energy Efficiency & Water Conservation
- : National nonprofit offering research, policy guidance and regional benchmarking relevant to DC businesses.
- : Local nonprofit restoring tree canopy to support cooling, stormwater retention and quality of life in DC.
- : Financing for projects in clean energy and efficiency, targeting small businesses and nonprofits.
- : Custom energy audits, rebates and contractor referrals to improve building efficiency.
- : DC‑based nonprofit advancing equitable urban retrofits, workforce development and clean energy in buildings.
Waste Reduction & Circular Economy
- Local reuse warehouse collecting donations of new and gently used building materials and home essentials for redistribute in the community.
- : Food service providers reduce food-related emissions through climate-smart sourcing and menus.
- A coalition of public and government food leaders appointed by the Mayor to create a just, healthy, equitable and sustainable food system for all.
- Annual initiative to push to reduce the 40 percent of food that’s wasted on average in the United States.
- : Guidance on electronics recycling, reuse, composting and food diversion programs.
- : Food recovery that directs nutritious, surplus food to those in need across the DMV.
- Food recovery and donation services from businesses to residents, shelters, food pantries and more.
- DC government-led initiative encouraging repair, donation or thrifting for household items. Also supports food recovery and item exchanges with neighbors
- : Free marketplace-style reuse platform for businesses and nonprofits.
- : Local grants and community programs for recycling, urban wood reuse and neighborhood greening.
- Practical toolkit for sustainable procurement and waste diversion.
- Group of consumers, businesses and government building alignment on food waste policy. Includes a policy toolkits and menu planning.
Carbon Measurement & Climate Action Planning
- : Official data and emission reduction roadmaps aligned for business adoption in carbon planning.
- : Tools and market data on waste reduction and ecosystem services valuation.
- Easy-to-use set of default emission factors for organizational greenhouse gas reporting.
- : Global standard for greenhouse gas emission reporting.
- DC‑based economic think tank providing carbon pricing analysis and climate policy planning tools.
- : Comprehensive emissions calculator for meeting planners, hoteliers and venue managers.
Certification & Recognition Pathways
- : Annual recognition for local businesses achieving measurable environmental and social impact.
- : Free business listing and credential program linking DC businesses with sustainability support and promotion.
- List of global, national and regional resources, ecolabels and standards for hoteliers
- Resources on sustainable food service practices and products
- Foundational standards for hotel, tour operator and destination certification programs globally.
- Hotel and lodging industry sustainability certification.
- An industry group helping restaurants obtain science-based certifications.
- : Certification that assesses and verifies the sustainability of buildings, interiors and communities.
Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Industry Practices
- DC‑based nonprofit hosting hospitality briefings focused on energy efficiency, resilience and policy.
- Governance body that sets international sustainability criteria for hotels, tours and destinations.
- Offers the Envision framework used for sustainable infrastructure in venues, transportation and public hospitality sites.
- : Nonprofit network promoting tourism that restores nature, culture and community.
- : Hotel Sustainability Basics is a globally recognized and coordinated set of sustainability indicators that all hotels should implement as a minimum.
More Educational Tools & Webinars
- Online modules and live workshops on food, energy, waste, circular economy, equity, compliance and sustainability.
- DC Sustainable Energy Utility certification workshops in energy efficiency and renewables for contractors and hospitality staff teams.
- Webinar series demystifying climate action in the travel industry.
Learn more about Destination DC's Sustainability District