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Taking the Next Step

Sustainability is a journey. Below are resources from Destination DC (DDC), the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and more. 

DDC Educational Resources

 

Local Plans & Financial Resources 

 

Energy Efficiency & Water Conservation 

  • American Council for an Energy‑Efficient Economy: National nonprofit offering research, policy guidance and regional benchmarking relevant to DC businesses. 
  • Casey Trees: Local nonprofit restoring tree canopy to support cooling, stormwater retention and quality of life in DC. 
  • DC Green Bank: Financing for projects in clean energy and efficiency, targeting small businesses and nonprofits. 
  • DC Sustainable Energy Utility: Custom energy audits, rebates and contractor referrals to improve building efficiency. 
  • Emerald Cities Collaborative: DC‑based nonprofit advancing equitable urban retrofits, workforce development and clean energy in buildings.

 

Waste Reduction & Circular Economy 

  • Community Forklift: Local reuse warehouse collecting donations of new and gently used building materials and home essentials for redistribute in the community. 
  • Cool Food Pledge: Food service providers reduce food-related emissions through climate-smart sourcing and menus. 
  • DC Food Policy Council: A coalition of public and government food leaders appointed by the Mayor to create a just, healthy, equitable and sustainable food system for all. 
  • DC Food Recovery Week: Annual initiative to push to reduce the 40 percent of food that’s wasted on average in the United States. 
  • DOEE Circular Economy & Reuse Resources: Guidance on electronics recycling, reuse, composting and food diversion programs. 
  • Food Rescue US-DC: Food recovery that directs nutritious, surplus food to those in need across the DMV. 
  • Nourish Now: Food recovery and donation services from businesses to residents, shelters, food pantries and more. 
  • ReuseDC: DC government-led initiative encouraging repair, donation or thrifting for household items. Also supports food recovery and item exchanges with neighbors 
  • Rheaply: Free marketplace-style reuse platform for businesses and nonprofits. 
  • Washington Parks & People Cool Capital Challenge: Local grants and community programs for recycling, urban wood reuse and neighborhood greening. 
  • World Resources Institute Food Service Playbook: Practical toolkit for sustainable procurement and waste diversion. 
  • Zero Food Waste Coalition: Group of consumers, businesses and government building alignment on food waste policy. Includes a policy toolkits and menu planning. 

 

Carbon Measurement & Climate Action Planning 

 

Certification & Recognition Pathways 

 

Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Industry Practices 

 

More Educational Tools & Webinars 

 

Learn more about Destination DC's Sustainability District