Destination DC (DDC) and the district’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) recently hosted the second annual Sustainability Summit to advance a more sustainable future for the nation’s capital. The event, held at the Embassy of France, convened leaders from tourism, hospitality, government and the private sector to share best practices, spotlight local innovation and strengthen partnerships.
The Sustainability Summit underscores the importance of local collaboration in addressing global challenges. By working with city agencies, businesses, nonprofits and academic institutions, Washington, DC is strengthening its position as one of the country’s most sustainable urban destinations.
The 2025 District Sustainability Awards, presented by DOEE, celebrate local businesses, organizations and individuals whose commitment to sustainability is helping to build a greener, healthier and more resilient city for residents, visitors and future generations.
District Sustainability Awards
- Ama – A mission-driven restaurant dedicated to sustainability, nourishment and non-toxic dining. Ama prioritizes regenerative agriculture, operates a fully electric kitchen, and is committed to being free of single-use plastics and polycarbonate materials.
- Electrify DC – A nonprofit organization promoting building electrification, renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency. Electrify DC leads professional and community education initiatives to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across DC and the region.
- Leonina Arismendi – An environmental justice advocate working at the intersection of the Latin American and the LGBTQ+ communities. Arismendi uses art, storytelling and policy engagement to support initiatives such as “Lead Free DC” and environmental justice amendments. She led “Up in the Air,” a project empowering Ward 5 neighbors to advocate for clean air.
- OurFarm DC – Focused on equitable, sustainable food systems, OurFarm DC partners with The Covenant House of Greater Washington to install a hydroponic farm and organic garden in Southeast DC. Through a partnership with Run Hope Work, they hired three previously incarcerated native Washingtonians to operate the farm.
- Rodrick West – A RiverSmart Homes Ambassador serving Wards 7 and 8, West is also a UDC Master Gardener and active community volunteer. He supports the Anacostia Watershed Society, Mayor’s Office, ANC and local clean-up efforts. He also serves as a Block Captain with the nonprofit DC Natives.
Clean Energy DC Award
- A-Peace LLC – A DC-based property management and development company that has transitioned 50 percent of its multifamily portfolio to all-electric systems and installed solar panels on 50 percent of its properties. The company’s Stu-Ward Program promotes green sector education while providing attainable housing in underserved neighborhoods.
In addition to the summit, DDC held a bonus workshop the day prior, focusing on sustainability certifications for its member businesses. Facilitated by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) CEO, Randy Durband, the workshop provided local hospitality businesses the opportunity to learn about the value of the industry’s most frequently used certifications directly from the organization that accredits them. The partnership is a result of DDC’s membership of GSTC.
The event also launched DDC’s 2025 Global Destination Sustainability Index performance efforts. Furthermore, DDC has assembled an advisory committee of stakeholders representing the different hospitality businesses, city agencies and NGOs most affected by the presence of visitors. The group’s feedback helped shape the content for this year’s event, and a full strategy is expected in FY2026.
For more information, visit www.washington.org.
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