This Earth Day, we’re highlighting five U.S. cities that are doing more than just talking about sustainability—they’re living it.
Austin, Texas 🎶
Why we love it: Austin combines a creative spirit with progressive sustainability practices. The city supports a Zero Waste by 2040 goal and incentivizes green hotel development, including several LEED-certified boutique properties.
DMC Tip: Host your event at the LEED Gold-certified Palmer Events Center and enjoy a sustainable stay at the JW Marriott Austin . The hotel is deeply committed to environmental responsibility, featuring a rooftop garden at The Edge Restaurant, eco-friendly initiatives like agave straws, LED lighting, low-flow fixtures, and smart HVAC systems. "As the Director of Restaurants, I take a lot of pride in how committed we are to sustainability here at JW Marriott Austin," says Trevor Cabal. "It means a lot to know that the choices we make every day—whether it’s reducing waste, saving energy, or supporting local growers—truly make a difference. Gardening is a personal hobby of mine, so getting to bring that into my work and see it come to life in our rooftop garden is incredibly rewarding."
San Diego, California ☀️
Why we love it: San Diego is leading with innovation—think solar-powered hotels, green-certified venues, and eco-conscious coastal preservation programs. The hospitality industry here is invested in sustainability, with over 50 hotels participating in Green Seal or LEED certifications and major citywide waste diversion goals.
DMC Tip: Plan your event at The Lane | Event Venue, a repurposed venue with strong community roots. Elevate your green efforts by partnering with local vendors and selecting caterers that use compostable service ware. For eco-conscious accommodations, consider the Hotel del Coronado, a leader in green initiatives, with certifications and broad operational sustainability.
Tucson, Arizona 🌵
Why we love it: Tucson is a leader in water conservation, solar energy, and eco-tourism. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, it has built a hospitality ecosystem rooted in sustainable agriculture and heritage foods. Many local hotels participate in Visit Tucson’s Green Hospitality Program, focusing on low water usage, solar power, and waste minimization.
DMC Tip: Tucson’s desert landscape inspires us to design programs that emphasize connection with nature and cultural authenticity. Host at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, which stands out for its environmentally conscious design that harmonizes with the Sonoran Desert, preserving native habitats and integrating sustainable landscaping throughout the property. Add experiences like guided hikes led by environmental educators or workshops with Indigenous chefs focused on ancestral ingredients.
Chicago, Illinois 🌆
Why we love it: As one of the greenest big cities in America, Chicago shines with LEED-certified buildings, expansive green roofs, and a citywide push for carbon reduction. The Choose Chicago tourism board offers green meeting planning tools and tracks the city’s progress on sustainability through its Climate Action Plan.
DMC Tip: Host events at the McCormick Place - the largest LEED-certified convention center in North America. Nearby hotels include Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, which leads with rooftop solar, farm-to-table dining, and a zero-waste mindset that puts sustainability at the heart of every guest experience.
Boulder, Colorado 🏞️
Why we love it: Boulder is a hub for eco-conscious living. With some of the most stringent building codes for energy efficiency in the country, the city supports a range of LEED- and Green Globes-certified hotels and venues. Local ordinances even require event planners to adhere to sustainable waste management practices.
DMC Tip: Plan immersive outdoor experiences—like hiking or mindfulness sessions in open space preserves—partnered with a stay at one of the city’s many eco-certified hotels like St Julien Hotel & Spa, which has been awarded for its energy and water conservation practices.
🌱 Thoughtfully Planned, Expertly Executed
At CSI DMC, we believe that impactful experiences can also be sustainable. From venue selection and vendor partnerships to waste reduction and wellness-focused programming, we’re helping our clients create events that respect the planet and inspire their people.