Sustainability Practices at RBITT 2025

WEF Continues to Expand Sustainability Practices at Specialty Conferences 

WEF has been committed to sustainability, particularly through WEFTEC, its flagship event that recently achieved PLATINUM level certification from the Events Industry Council's Sustainable Event Standards. Recognizing the importance of reducing environmental impact, WEF is extending these sustainability practices to the 2025 RBITT Conference and its other Specialty Conferences, ensuring that responsible event management remains a priority across all events. WEF is practicing sustainability through waste reduction, reduction of greenhouse gas emission from travel, use of water stations and promotion of refillable water bottles, minimizing single-use plastics, just to name a few. 

Sustainability Practices of the Baltimore Convention Center

The Baltimore Convention Center (BCC) focuses on sustainability with energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental design initiatives, including in-house beehives. In January 2025, the BCC earned SILVER certification from the Events Industry Council's Sustainable Event Standards. Its Diversion by Donation Program emphasizes waste diversion through single-stream recycling and donations. In 2022, the BCC donated about 31 tons of materials to local nonprofits, over 75,000 pounds of food to the Maryland Food Bank, and 48,000 pounds of items to other local partners.

Click here to learn more about the Baltimore Convention Center’s sustainability efforts.

How RBITT Conference Attendees Can Support WEF’s Sustainability Initiatives

Attendees can support WEF’s sustainability initiatives by:

• Bring your own refillable water bottle
• Participate in the carbon offset program
• Download the conference app
• Utilize the convention center’s recycling and composting bins often and appropriately.
• Click here to learn more ways to support WEF’s sustainability initiatives at the 2025 RB/ITT Conference.

Incorporating WEFTEC’s Sustainability Practices into Specialty Conferences Like RBITT 2025 

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has been committed to sustainability, particularly through WEFTEC, its flagship event. Recognizing the importance of reducing environmental impact, WEF is extending these sustainability practices to its Specialty Conferences, ensuring that responsible event management remains a priority across all gatherings. 

WEF practices the following to ensure high levels of sustainability during all events. 

Reducing Waste 

WEF has implemented waste reduction strategies by minimizing single-use materials at conferences. Printed programs are being reduced in page-count through the use of digital alternatives, and reusable signage is prioritized. Additionally, waste diversion efforts, including recycling and composting, help keep event spaces cleaner and more environmentally responsible. 

Carbon Offsets 

By donating toward the purchase of carbon offsets, RB/ITT conference attendees can mitigate the environmental impact related to their conference attendance. Carbon offsets are investments in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, such as reforestation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency initiatives. A carbon offset icon will be printed on badges to acknowledge everyone that donated. 

Refillable Water Bottles 

As part of WEF’s commitment to reducing plastic waste, refillable water stations are available at Specialty Conferences. Attendees are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, eliminating the need for disposable plastic bottles and contributing to overall waste reduction. 

Sustainable Sourcing 

WEF is also integrating sustainable sourcing into Specialty Conferences by working with venues and vendors that prioritize environmentally friendly practices. This includes using locally sourced, sustainable food and eco-friendly materials for conference materials and giveaways. WEF collaborates with venue catering to replace plastic water bottles with an aluminum option throughout all conference venue vending and sales.  

By adopting these sustainability practices, WEF’s Specialty Conferences will continue to evolve as greener, more responsible events, reinforcing the organization’s leadership in environmental stewardship. 

Baltimore Convention Center Sustainability 

The Baltimore Convention Center (BCC) is dedicated to sustainability through comprehensive initiatives in energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental design. In January 2025, the BCC achieved SILVER level certification from the Events Industry Council's Sustainable Event Standards, reflecting its commitment to environmentally responsible practices.  

• Alvéole | MyHive  
• Maryland Green Application Form
• https://www.bccenter.org/p/about/community/sustainability 

Energy Efficiency 

The BCC has implemented an energy performance contract with Constellation Energy, resulting in a 23% reduction in electricity usage. Upgrades include efficient lighting, heating, and water systems, contributing to significant energy conservation.  

Waste Reduction / Diversion by Donation Program 

The Center emphasizes waste diversion through single-stream recycling and donations. In 2022, it donated approximately 31 tons of materials to local nonprofits, including furniture and building supplies. Additionally, over 75,000 pounds of food were donated to the Maryland Food Bank, and 48,000 pounds of items were provided to other local partners. The pallet recycling program not only serves to reduce waste but has reduced waste removal costs by close to $20,000. The cardboard baler program is an important tool in waste reduction and diversion. On average, over 50 tons of cardboard waste is diverted with this program. 

Environmental Design 

A notable feature is the 27,000-square-foot green roof, designed to enhance sustainability. In September 2022, the BCC installed two beehives housing over 70,000 bees, promoting urban pollination and environmental education.  

Administrative Practices 

The BCC also uses single-stream recycling in conjunction with other administrative procedures that serve to reduce waste in daily operation including the use of recyclable office supplies, recycled printing paper, eco-friendly and biodegradable items in retail areas, and the use of farm-to-table practices whenever possible. 

These efforts underscore the Baltimore Convention Center's role as a leader in sustainable event hosting, continually advancing its environmental stewardship. 

How RB/ITT Attendees Can Support WEF’s
Sustainability Initiatives

Before the Conference 

• Choose Sustainable Travel: Opt for public transportation, carpooling, or carbon-offset flights. 
• Pack Reusable Items: Bring a refillable water bottle, reusable coffee cup, and tote bag to minimize waste. 
• Go Digital: Download event materials, schedules, and notes on a tablet or phone instead of printing them. 

During the Conference

• Use Refill Stations: Take advantage of water refill stations instead of buying bottled water. Baltimore Convention Center Water Refill Station Map. 
• Recycle and Compost: Properly dispose of waste in designated recycling or compost bins.
• Eat and Shop Local: Support local and sustainable vendors of Baltimore while in town for the conference:
  • Where to Eat
  • Baltimore's Black Owned Businesses Directory
  • Participate in Baltimore's free BoP Pass
  • Only in Baltimore
• Minimize Energy Use: Turn off lights and electronics in hotel rooms when not in use.
• Engage in Sustainability Efforts: Participate in conference-led sustainability initiatives, such as carbon offset programs or sustainability-focused discussions.

After the Conference 

• Stay Connected Digitally: Instead of taking paper business cards, use digital networking tools like LinkedIn or QR codes. 

By making these small but meaningful choices, conference attendees can help reduce their environmental impact and support a more sustainable event experience.