San Antonio’s Sustainability and Green Meeting Efforts
San Antonio is known for its charming River Walk, vibrant culture, and internationally recognized culinary scene that attracts over 39 million visitors, vacationers, and professionals each year. In addition, San Antonio is also gaining global notoriety as one of the greenest large American cities, earning recognitions including the Solar America Cities Designation, the Arboricultural Project of the Year award, and a 3-STAR Community Rating.
San Antonio’s green meeting efforts create another incentive for meeting professionals looking to host greener meetings or events for their companies and organizations. Here is how you can leverage city efforts for your own green event.
Photo by Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Host in a LEED Certified Facility
In 2017, the Henry B. González Convention Center proudly earned LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, exemplifying San Antonio’s commitment to sustainability and innovative design. From energy efficiency and water conservation to innovative architecture and a focus on indoor air quality, every detail is designed with both performance and the planet in mind, so your next event can be impactful and environmentally responsible.
Photo by The Espee
Plan Your Green Event Alongside the City
Want to plan a greener event? San Antonio makes it easy and official. Since 2010, all medium- and large-scale events held at city-owned venues are encouraged to complete a Green Event Scorecard as part of the city’s sustainability ordinance.
Organized by the Office of Sustainability, the program provides a step-by-step guide to help planners reduce waste, energy use, and material consumption. From recycling and alternative transportation to sustainable food options and equitable access, organizers choose at least five eco-friendly actions across key categories.
The Green Event Scorecard not only helps measure environmental impact, but it also showcases your organization’s commitment to sustainability. This initiative reflects San Antonio’s broader goals: to lead by example, expand green jobs, and inspire a culture of conscious event planning citywide.
Photo by San Antonio International Airport
Reduce Your Organization’s Carbon Footprint While Traveling
The San Antonio International Airport (SAT) continues to break yearly records with over 11 million people flying in and out of the city. That volume of travel produces a great deal of carbon emissions. However, there is a way to travel more environmentally consciously.
As part of the city's commitment to greener travel, SAT partners with The Good Traveler Program, giving flyers the chance to offset their carbon footprint by purchasing carbon credits. It is a simple, voluntary step with a big impact. Plus, it helps support environmental initiatives in the city, such as the San Antonio River Foundation, which protects the landscapes that make this region special.
SAT has already earned Level 2 Reduction status from the Airport Carbon Accreditation program and is working toward even higher goals. By participating, you’re not just traveling, you are helping to shape a more sustainable future for San Antonio and beyond.
Fly in on Us!
We fly qualified meeting professionals to San Antonio for a customized visit, allowing them to see firsthand how the city comes together to ensure a successful meeting or convention.
