Alabastro Photography

Meet Sustainably
in Seattle

In Seattle, green is more than just the color of the trees that blanket the landscape.

It’s a commitment to sustainability that is rooted in the spirit of the city, and it is why Seattle consistently ranks as one of the most sustainable cities in the country. Bold steps have been taken to secure an environmentally friendly future, from mandated composting and garbage trucks that run on biodiesel to a goal of zero-emissions within the next 10 years. No matter how big your event, you can feel good that it will have minimal impact on the local environment.

Aerial view of the Seattle skyline with the Space Needle prominently in the foreground. The Climate Pledge Arena sits surrounded by lush green trees, and Mount Rainier is visible in the distant background under a clear sky. Climate Pledge Arena opened October 2021

A CLIMATE PLEDGE

In 2019, Amazon and Global Optimism partnered to commit to achieving net-zero carbon by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle Center is a physical representation of the city’s pledge and the world’s first net-zero-carbon certified arena, operating entirely off renewable electricity. Similarly, with 575 solar panels, the Bullitt Center, on Capitol Hill, produces more power than it uses, making it the greenest commercial building in the world.

Seattle Convention Center. Glass and steel building at night with green and purple lights and blurred cars SCC Summit. Image: Adam Hunter/LMN Architects

CHANGING CONVENTIONS

From providing locally sourced food and beverages in compostable packaging to repurposing cooking oils for biofuel, the Seattle Convention Center makes green living a priority—and that was before its revolutionary Summit building opened in January 2023. Summit features sustainably sourced and recycled building materials, water conservation, a rooftop garden, and LEED Platinum certification.

Learn more about sustainability at Seattle Convention Center.

A modern hotel room with a white bed, wooden accent wall, and a large cityscape painting above the headboard. A yellow armchair with a matching ottoman is near the window, along with a floor lamp and a view of city buildings. Hilton Motif Seattle

STAYING GREEN

Seattle hotels have taken massive environmental initiatives to ensure that future generations have a cleaner and healthier planet, such as providing compostable serving ware and relying on sustainable ingredients. Hilton Motif Seattle has implemented Destination Earth—a program dedicated to reducing waste, increasing recycling and composting, and buying local as often as possible—and created a task force to source environmentally responsible services and products for their guests. The W Seattle is Green Seal certified, as is the Sheraton Grand Seattle, which was also the first hotel in the nation to launch a “green room” program, rewarding guests for reducing towel and linen replacement during their stay.

Transportation Link Light Rail Photo: Oran Viriyincy

ELECTRIC CITY

Seattle is driving change when it comes to reducing emissions. By 2030, all Seattle rideshare vehicles will be electric, and King County Metro aims to have all its buses charged with renewable energy by 2035. Charter bus company MTRWestern has a similar goal: 15 percent of its fleet will be electric by 2025. Add that to the ongoing creation of bike lanes and streets closed to vehicle traffic for pedestrians and cyclists, and Seattle makes it clear: It’s easy being green.

Airplanes from various airlines, including Alaska, Delta, and Virgin America, are parked at an airport terminal at sunset. A white van is on the tarmac, and the sky is a soft gradient of pink and blue. Don Wilson/Port of Seattle

AIRPORT INNOVATION

From the moment you land at SEA Airport, you’ll see sustainability is at the forefront. In 2014, SEA Airport became the first North American airport to earn certification for reduction of carbon emissions. It reached its goal to reduce emissions by 50% almost a decade ahead of schedule. Even transit to and from your flight is green—an electric-powered Link light rail connects the airport to downtown Seattle in under 40 minutes. And there’s more good news on the horizon: SEA Airport has also set an aggressive goal to power every flight fueled on-site with sustainable aviation fuel by 2028. Learn more.

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