Sustainability & Impact

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Sustainability

Charting a Course for Impact

As we come together to navigate the future of water, AWWA remains committed to advancing more sustainable events. At ACE, we work to reduce environmental impact, strengthen economic resilience, and create positive social outcomes through responsible event practices. Guided by our Water 2050 vision, we continue to measure our progress, pursue continuous improvement, and collaborate with partners across the sector to build a more sustainable future.

Setting the Standard

After earning Foundations Level Certification in 2024, ACE25 achieved Platinum certification from the Events Industry Council following an independent third-party audit. This achievement placed AWWA among an elite group of organizations recognized for meeting these rigorous sustainability standards. ACE26 continued to advance AWWA’s sustainability and impact initiatives through expanded reporting, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.

As we look ahead to ACE27 in San Diego, we remain committed to evaluating and reporting on our sustainability performance as part of our commitment to accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Goals & Best Practice Principles

2026 ACE Sustainability Goals

Maintain responsible event waste practices and continue to exceed the host venue’s average waste diversion rate
Strengthen staff familiarity with and adherence to ACE’s Sustainable Procurement Policy
Establish sponsor partnerships that actively contribute to ACE’s sustainability goals
Work with Honeycomb Strategies to conduct a water risk analysis of the ACE event location for 2026 and future years

Association Best Practice Principles:

Offsetting Our Impact

Creating a more sustainable event requires both reducing impacts where possible and supporting projects that address impacts that cannot yet be eliminated. AWWA invests in solutions that help strengthen environmental stewardship while continuing to advance more sustainable event practices.

Water Restoration Certificates®

AWWA purchases Water Restoration Certificates (WRCs) to help balance event water use and support projects that restore water to ecosystems and communities. These investments reinforce our commitment to responsible water stewardship and contribute to long-term water sustainability.

Renewable Energy

AWWA supports renewable energy initiatives through a combination of venue-provided clean energy sources and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). These efforts help reduce the environmental impact associated with conference operations and support the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Carbon Initiatives

AWWA offsets staff travel and provides attendees with access to tools and resources that support carbon-conscious event participation. Through measurement, reporting, and offset opportunities, we continue to evaluate and address conference-related emissions.

View offset project details, including type, location, and volume here.

Collective Action, Lasting Impact

ACE offers a variety of opportunities for attendees to engage with sustainability initiatives throughout the conference. Explore the programs and tips below to learn how individual actions, combined with the efforts of thousands of water professionals, can generate lasting impact.

Carbon Awareness

Learn and Contribute

Creating a more sustainable future starts with awareness. ACE provides resources to help attendees learn more about carbon emissions, climate impacts, and the actions individuals and organizations can take to support a lower-carbon future.

Explore the UN Climate Change Carbon Footprint Calculator

ACE Sunday Giveback Activity

The ACE Sunday Giveback brings attendees together for a hands-on service experience that supports local communities and advances global hygiene efforts.

Following a strong response in 2026, ACE will once again host a kit-packing experience. Attendees will help assemble hygiene kits that support individuals and families in need, creating meaningful impact both in the host community and beyond.

Wellness Lounge

Recharge, Refocus, Reconnect

Prioritizing well-being is essential to creating impactful and sustainable experiences. At ACE27, our Decompression Lounge returns as a cell phone-free sanctuary designed to promote mental and physical wellness. This peaceful space offers attendees a chance to pause, recharge, and refocus throughout the conference.

The Wellness Lounge will be open daily.

Choose Tap Water

Hydrate. Refill. Reduce Waste.

Access to safe, reliable drinking water is at the heart of AWWA’s mission. At ACE, attendees are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and take advantage of refill stations throughout the conference. Choosing tap water helps reduce single-use waste while highlighting the value of the water systems that serve our host communities.

Water refill stations and hydration carts throughout the venue make it easy to stay refreshed while reducing single-use waste.

San Diego Convention Center Water Refill Map

Water Equation

Empower the Next Generation

Water Equation (WE) supports the future of the water workforce through scholarships, student programs, and professional development opportunities. Every donation helps create pathways for students and young professionals pursuing meaningful careers in water.

At ACE27, attendees can participate in several activities that support Water Equation’s mission while connecting with colleagues and investing in the future of the water community.

Learn More About WE

Simple Sustainability Tips

Creating a more sustainable future requires action at every level. These practical tips can help reduce waste, conserve resources, and contribute to our shared sustainability efforts.

Use the Mobile App

Skip the paper! Use the AWWA Event Mobile App and other digital resources whenever possible. Choosing electronic materials reduces waste throughout the conference.

Properly Sort Recycling

It only takes a moment to sort items into the appropriately labeled disposal bins!

Reduce Food Waste

Take only what you plan to eat and avoid unnecessary food waste. When available, consider plant-based options that can help reduce the environmental impact of meals.

Conserve Resources

Turn off lights, electronics, and other devices when not in use. Participate in your hotel’s linen and towel reuse programs to help conserve water and energy.

Choose Low-Impact Transportation

When possible, use public transportation, walk, bike, or share rides with colleagues. These options can help reduce emissions while providing an easy way to explore the host city.

Support Local Businesses

Explore locally owned restaurants, shops, and attractions. Supporting local businesses helps strengthen the local economy and extends the positive impact of ACE beyond the convention center.

Expand Your Perspective

Building a stronger water community starts with learning from different experiences and viewpoints. Consider attending sessions featuring speakers and perspectives that are different from your own.

Support Offset & Impact Projects

Small contributions can help support projects that address environmental impacts and advance broader sustainability efforts.

Our Allies: Exhibitors, Vendors & Venues

Sustainability at ACE is a team effort, and we’re proud to recognize the exhibitors who have signed the ACE Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge. Alongside our vendor and venue partners, these Impact Allies are leading the way with responsible practices that support our shared mission and inspire others to follow suit.

Together, these allies help expand the reach of our sustainability efforts across the show floor and beyond, strengthening our collective impact and encouraging meaningful action.

ACE Sustainability & Impact Team

Joanne Gaglia, Director of Conferences & Events
Dawn Flancher, PE, Director of Technical, Educational, & Research Programs
Lisa Star, SEPC, Sr. Manager of Exhibits and Sponsorship
Lindsey Richeaux, CMP, SEPC, Sr. Manager of Event Tech & Engagement
Lisa Stanicel-Klemme, CDMP, Marketing Manager, Conference & Events
Neal Hyde, Buyer & Purchasing Analyst
Cindy McCombe, Director of Marketing, Business and Donor Development

ACE Event Sustainability Reports

Transparency and accountability are essential to continuous improvement. Through our annual Sustainability & Impact Reports, AWWA measures, evaluates, and shares the environmental, social, and economic impacts of ACE.

By highlighting both successes and opportunities for growth, these reports help guide future efforts and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to responsible event practices.

2025 Sustainability Impact Report

2024 Sustainability Impact Report

Our Sustainability Collaborators

Water Equation

Water Equation, AWWA’s philanthropic arm, provides funding for workforce advancements, scholarships, students, and young professionals. WE is committed to fulfilling the critical need to ensure that the water sector has the necessary workforce to provide clean and safe water to communities in North America. Among many positive actions, WE hosts an annual running and walking event at ACE.

Water Equation

Honeycomb Strategies

Honeycomb Strategies provides sustainability expertise for trade shows, conferences, convention centers, arenas, and organizations to identify sustainable solutions, engage stakeholders, develop data management systems, and implement programs to measure impact so that events can thrive. As a women-owned business and accredited B Corporation, Honeycomb Strategies aims to inspire people to see sustainability as both an opportunity and responsibility.

Honeycomb

Freeman

Freeman has a commitment to net zero carbon by 2050, and by 2030 to reduce GHG emissions by 50%. With both an ISO 14001 and ISO 20121 certification, Freeman is there to help guide you through sustainable offerings while at ACE. Be sure to consult with Freeman on your expo and booth materials and logistics.

Freeman

San Diego Convention Center

The San Diego Convention Center is committed to sustainability through renewable energy sourcing, food waste reduction, local purchasing, water refill stations, and comprehensive recycling and composting programs. These efforts help create a more responsible event environment while supporting both environmental stewardship and community impact.

Learn More