According to the 2023 American Express Global Meetings and Events Forecast, 80% of meeting planners now prioritize sustainability when organizing events. As such, Portland, Oregon, should be at the top of the list when considering sustainable destinations. Portland is a pioneer in sustainability and was even named the Most Sustainable Destination by ParkSleepFly in 2022.
The Oregon Convention Center is a shining example of sustainability in action, having achieved the U.S. Green Building Council's top rating, LEED Platinum. The center has several initiatives to reduce waste and energy use, including a waste diversion policy that has helped achieve a 65% diversion rate and a solar array that generates 25-30% of annual electrical use. The venue also donates approximately 35,000 meals to local nonprofits to help address food scarcity in the city.
Portland's transportation system is also a key reason why it is an excellent destination for sustainable events. The MAX light rail and Portland Streetcar are both powered by 100% renewable energy and offer easy accessibility to the city. Additionally, downtown Portland's walkability is ranked 96 out of 100 according to Walk Score, which means attendees can easily get around without contributing to carbon emissions. Additional options include electric bike and scooter share programs.
Many of Portland's hotels are LEED- or Green Seal-certified, and businesses are required to take measures to reduce plastic waste. Single-use plastic checkout bags are banned in retail stores, and businesses cannot automatically include plastic straws, utensils, or individually packaged condiments in a customer's order.
Food is another area where Portland shines. More than 20 farmer's markets abound in the area, and locals take farm-to-table dining seriously with the FLOSS lifestyle: Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal, and Sustainable. WalletHub named Portland the best city for vegans and vegetarians for four years running. It is also home to many natural and sustainable wineries and breweries.
Portland's urban green spaces are a notable attraction. With over 200 parks and gardens within the city limits alone, attendees can take advantage of these natural spaces for team-building activities or just to get some fresh air and exercise. One of the largest urban forests in the U.S., Forest Park, is only 10 minutes from downtown and has 5,200 acres of wilderness that act as an important wildlife refuge and air and water filter.
Finally, supporting local businesses is an important aspect of sustainability in Portland. Locals are fiercely loyal when it comes to shopping small and supporting businesses that create unique Portland goods. Night markets, craft fairs, and the weekly Saturday Market along the downtown waterfront all help the local economy. Visitors can also take advantage of sales tax-free shopping!
Portland is the perfect destination for planners and organizations committed to sustainability. It offers eco-friendly transportation, green spaces, sustainable food options, a LEED platinum convention center, and environmentally responsible hotels.
Contact the Travel Portland team to book your sustainable conference today!
