ACS Spring 2025 Sustainability Initiatives

Focusing on energy

• Measure and track energy use at the convention center and meeting hotels (carbon emissions, water and electricity used, pounds of material recycled and composted)

Reducing plastic waste

• Water refilling stations available at Convention Center, and water coolers provided in all meeting rooms at governance hotels, reducing need for bottled water
• Provide glassware next to water coolers where available 
• Eliminate aisle carpeting in Expo Hall (also saves energy and fuel)

Saving on fuel

• Utilize hotel shuttle company which purchases carbon offsets on ACS’ behalf
• Concentrated number of meeting venues within walking distance, reducing the number of shuttles needed
• Ordering locally produced food and beverage, where available, and labeling local ingredients used in buffet meals
• Use locally grown florals in arrangements; rent green plants

Saving trees

• Badges – use recyclable paper, no plastic holder, lanyards and clips are biodegradable
• Use digital signage. When physical signage is needed, it is created with recyclable materials and made evergreen when possible to re-use
• Digital program provided on website and mobile app
• Digital presenter certificates
• Use badge scanners instead of paper drink tickets at SciMix

Demonstrating commitment to being more sustainable

• Partner with meeting vendors who share our sustainability goals
• Communicate ACS’ sustainability efforts at Spring 2025 in mobile app, website, and emails
• Encourage attendees to take individual actions at the meeting to be more sustainable by providing a list of tips
• Provide sustainability tips in exhibitor monthly newsletter

ACS Spring 2025 – Sustainability Tips for Attendees

Individual actions you can take as you plan travel to San Diego:

• Book a non-stop flight in economy class
• Choose a hotel within walking distance of the conference sessions (there are many options within ½ mile of the convention center!)
• Use public transportation to get from the airport to your hotel (link here), or ride share with colleagues.

Individual actions you can take as you arrive in San Diego:

Hotel stay:

• Opt for keyless check-in/room entry where available
• Turn off the lights in your room before leaving, and adjust the A/C temperature so it is not running continuously during your absence
• Request housekeeping every 2-3 days instead of daily; re-use towels
• Utilize provided shuttle bus or walk between your hotel and the convention center

During the meeting:

• Bring a re-usable water bottle and use water coolers and filling stations located throughout the Convention Center and hotels, rather than bottled water
• Bring a reusable bag or containers to carry around items
• Use china dishes and glassware instead of disposable serve ware, when available
• Choose more plant-based food options, as animal proteins are resource-intensive and have a higher carbon footprint. Try avoiding beef as a start, which contributes to higher carbon emissions.
• Opt for digital materials; before taking printed materials and giveaways, consider if they will be used
• Dispose of your waste at the Convention Center in appropriate bins (compost, recycle, landfill)

In the city:

• Walk or carpool to restaurants and destinations when possible
• Dine and shop at local businesses that are not national chains
• Choose locally sourced food items
• When shopping, choose items that use less packaging, or that are made from recycled materials and/or can be recycled.

Additional actions you can take as you depart San Diego:

• When leaving the meeting, drop your badge and lanyard in the badge recycling bins, found at the Convention Center and Hilton San Diego Bayfront
• Use public transportation to get from your hotel to the airport (link here), or ride share with colleagues.