Sustainability & Impact

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Sustainability

Our Hero’s Journey Continues

Since launching our sustainability initiative in 2023, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) has empowered Water Heroes to lead the charge toward a responsible future. At ACE, we’re advancing practices that reduce environmental impact, support economic resilience, and promote social equity – all in alignment with our Water2050 vision. Our journey continues as we work together to shape a more sustainable water sector.

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Setting the Standard

After signing the Principles for Sustainable Events and earning our Foundations Level Certification in 2024, AWWA reaffirmed its commitment to responsible event practices. In September 2025, ACE25 was proudly certified Platinum by the Events Industry Council following a comprehensive third-party audit – a milestone that reflects our leadership in sustainable event planning. We are now in an elite tier of organizations to host an event that meets these high standards.

Read the Press Release.

As we look ahead to ACE26 in Washington, D.C., we remain focused on creating lasting, positive change for the water sector and the broader events industry.

Certificate Report

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:
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Offsetting Our Impact

At ACE25, AWWA took meaningful steps to reduce and offset environmental impact across multiple areas – efforts that reflect the spirit of our 2025 Elevate mindset and support our 2026 Water Heroes journey.

Water Restoration Certificates®

To balance 100% of event water use, AWWA purchased WRCs that fund projects returning clean water to ecosystems. This reinforces our commitment to water stewardship and empowers Water Heroes to protect this vital resource.

Energy Offsets

We offset 75% of venue energy use in Denver through a combination of clean energy from the Colorado Convention Center solar array and Xcel Energy grid, plus the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

Carbon Offsets

In addition to hosting the attendee carbon offset dashboard, AWWA offset all staff travel to ACE25. View offset project details including type, location, and volume here.

Small Steps = Big Impact

Individual actions may seem small, but together they create powerful momentum for change. At ACE, attendees aren’t just participants – they’re active contributors to a better world. Below are several initiatives designed to foster involvement and meaningful impact.

ACE Carbon Offset Dashboard

ACE Carbon Offset Dashboard

Track Your Impact, Take Action

Powered by Aclymate, this interactive tool helps attendees calculate the carbon footprint of their travel and offers the opportunity to contribute toward our collective sustainability goals. By providing a transparent and easy-to-use platform, we empower all change makers to make informed choices and take meaningful steps to reduce environmental impact.

Pro Tip: Confirm your travel and hotel details before exploring offset options.

Voluntary Carbon Offset Dashboard

ACE Sunday Giveback Activity

ACE Sunday Giveback Activity

Community Impact Starts Here

Kick off ACE with purpose. The Sunday Giveback Activity brings Water Heroes together for a hands on service experience that supports both local communities and global hygiene initiatives.

In 2026, attendees can take part in the Soap Saves Lives Experience, assembling 500 sustainable hygiene kits that benefit the D.C. metro area and communities worldwide.

Join us on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. near ACE Registration in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Learn more about this year’s Giveback Activity

Wellness Lounge

Wellness Lounge

Recharge, Refocus, Reconnect

Prioritizing well-being is essential to creating impactful and sustainable experiences. At ACE26, 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.

Fill it Forward at ACE

Fill it Forward at ACE

Hydrate. Track. Impact.

New for 2026, AWWA invites all ACE Water Heroes to make their daily actions count. Through Fill it Forward, and with support from Xylem, every water bottle you refill and scan at ACE26 helps reduce single‑use plastics while unlocking donations to Water Equation, advancing workforce development, and driving community impact.

When in D.C., pick up a bottle or sticker near registration and start tracking your impact. Will you own the challenge leaderboard and become a WE Hero?

Learn More About this Initiative

Water Equation

Water Equation

Empower the Next Generation

Water Equation (WE) supports the future of the water workforce through scholarships, student programs, and professional development. Every donation directly funds initiatives that empower the next generation of water professionals.

At ACE26, Water Heroes can engage with WE through meaningful activities that foster connection and purpose – all while supporting a cause that strengthens our industry from the ground up.

Learn More About WE

Tips for Everyday Sustainability

Every person has the power to make a difference, and it doesn’t take much to get started. At ACE, small, intentional choices can lead to a big collective impact. Here are a few simple ways you can contribute to our sustainability efforts and be part of the movement.

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Properly Sort Recycling

Properly sort any waste into designated bins. Recycling might feel trivial, but it keeps tons of material out of landfills.

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Reusable Water Bottle

Bring a reusable water bottle or coffee mug. Forgo single-use cups and utensils when possible.

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Reduce Food Waste

Moderate your portions when grabbing meals and snacks. Taking only what you’ll realistically eat reduces food waste. Enjoy plant-based options when available.

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Conserve Resources

Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. Participate in your hotel linen reuse programs rather than having housekeeping refresh your sheets and towels every day.

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Expand Your Perspective

Expanding perspectives helps build a richer community. Attend sessions featuring speakers from different backgrounds than your own.

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Use the Mobile App

Utilize the AWWA Event Mobile App and other electronic materials. This minimizes the need for printed materials.

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Offset Carbon Emissions

A relatively small contribution goes towards environmental projects that help counterbalance the impact of travel.

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Share Rides

Use public transportation to reduce carbon emissions – there are lots of options! Denver’s wide streets also make it easy and enjoyable to explore the city by e-bike or scooter.

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 Team

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

ACE Event Sustainability Reports

Our 2024 report established a baseline for ACE’s sustainability journey, highlighting key practices and measurable impact. Building on that foundation, the newly released 2025 report reflects our continued progress.

By sharing both accomplishments and challenges, we aim to foster transparency, encourage accountability, and inspire ongoing action across the ACE community.

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

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

As one of the largest buildings in the nation’s capital, the WEWCC is committed to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. The venue leads with initiatives like color-coded recycling, water efficiency, green purchasing, and energy-saving features, all contributing to a more responsible and efficient event environment.

Walter E. Washington Convention Center