ACE25 earns elite distinction for sustainability

The Events Industry Council (EIC) recently recognized AWWA’s 2025 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE25) with its highest distinction — a Platinum Level Certification — for its event sustainability practices.

This recognition places AWWA’s premier conference among an elite group of events around the world focused on enhancing sustainability.

“We are so appreciative of the AWWA community — not only its staff, but also members, volunteers, and leaders — whose dedication and investment have been instrumental in driving ACE’s initiatives forward,” said Joanne Gaglia, director of conferences and events.

“Their commitment to responsible practices continues to inspire meaningful change across the industry,” she added.

The EIC’s standards, recognized globally, specify performance criteria in areas of organizational management; marketing, communications and engagement; climate action; water management; materials and circularity; supply chain management; diversity, equity and inclusion; accessibility; and social impact. To date, more than 300 professionals have participated in the review of the standards.

At ACE25, which attracted over 11,000 water professionals from around the world, AWWA achieved each of the goals it aspired to:

• Increase waste diversion from landfill to 43% (up from 21% in 2024).
• Establish a sustainable procurement policy for all ACE materials.
• Raise awareness of the ACE Carbon Offset Dashboard, which allows individuals to understand the carbon footprint of their travel to and from ACE.
• Strengthen the Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge, which encourages at least one action from each participating exhibitor relating to energy use, waste diversion, and reduced food and beverage packaging.

“Our partners and exhibitors signed the pledge, which expands the impact of our sustainable approach across the show floor and beyond,” Gaglia said. These 2025 Sustainability Allies are still currently featured on the ACE Sustainability and Impact page.

ACE25 earned an exemplary audit point for offsetting the event’s total water use — 420,000 gallons — through the purchase of Water Restoration Certificates® from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. This action demonstrates ongoing commitment to the water sector and reinforces support for forward-looking sustainability efforts as represented in AWWA’s Water 2050 initiative.

The Alliance for Audited Media conducted a comprehensive third-party audit; and AWWA collaborated with Honeycomb Strategies (HCS), event industry sustainability consultants, on the planning and certification process. HCS compiled the ACE25 Sustainability Report, which captures the effects of AWWA’s sustainability initiative, first launched in 2023. It also provides recommendations for continued growth.

“AWWA shares this report to foster transparency, encourage accountability, and inspire ongoing action across the ACE community,” Gaglia said.

ACE26, taking place June 21-24 in Washington, D.C., will build on the success of ACE25 by:

• Purchasing strategic offsets for travel, energy, and water.
• Procuring materials through sustainable sourcing.
• Offering a volunteer activity that supports the community.
• Hosting a Wellness Lounge to promote attendee well-being.
• Including Water Equation engagement to support future water professionals.

“These returning initiatives reflect AWWA’s commitment to continuous improvement and long-term impact,” Gaglia said. “They build on what worked and will evolve with purpose.”