Meet Sustainably in Seattle

A CLIMATE PLEDGE

In 2019, Amazon and Global Optimism partnered to commit to achieving net-zero carbon by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle Center is a physical representation of the city’s pledge and the world’s first net-zero-carbon certified arena, operating entirely off renewable electricity. Similarly, with 575 solar panels, the Bullitt Center, on Capitol Hill, produces more power than it uses, making it the greenest commercial building in the world.

CHANGING CONVENTIONS

From providing locally sourced food and beverages in compostable packaging to repurposing cooking oils for biofuel, the Seattle Convention Center makes green living a priority—and that was before its revolutionary Summit building opened in January 2023. Summit features sustainably sourced and recycled building materials, water conservation, a rooftop garden, and LEED Gold certification with plans to go Platinum.

Learn more about sustainability at Seattle Convention Center.

STAYING GREEN

Seattle hotels have taken massive environmental initiatives to ensure that future generations have a cleaner and healthier planet, such as providing compostable serving ware and relying on sustainable ingredients. Hilton Motif Seattle has implemented Destination Earth—a program dedicated to reducing waste, increasing recycling and composting, and buying local as often as possible—and created a task force to source environmentally responsible services and products for their guests. The W Seattle is Green Seal certified, as is the Sheraton Grand Seattle, which was also the first hotel in the nation to launch a “green room” program, rewarding guests for reducing towel and linen replacement during their stay.

ELECTRIC CITY

Seattle is driving change when it comes to reducing emissions. By 2030, all Seattle rideshare vehicles will be electric, and King County Metro aims to have all its buses charged with renewable energy by 2035. Charter bus company MTRWestern has a similar goal: 15 percent of its fleet will be electric by 2025. Add that to the ongoing creation of bike lanes and streets closed to vehicle traffic for pedestrians and cyclists, and Seattle makes it clear: It’s easy being green.