San Francisco sets the bar high for green meetings. We’re committed to sustainability at every turn. San Francisco is the only city in the world with both a LEED Platinum-certified convention center and airport. Along with eco-friendly hotel accommodations and an array of outdoor activities for attendees to enjoy, the City by the Bay is where your gathering can be as effortlessly environmentally conscious as it is unforgettable.
Getting to San Francisco is both easy and eco-conscious, thanks to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). With nonstop service to more than 130 destinations worldwide—including more than 80 across the U.S.—attendees’ direct flight options contribute to lower carbon emissions compared to connecting flights, reducing your meeting’s footprint from the start.
Groups can tread lightly while getting around the city’s 49 square miles, as well. With a Walk Score of 99, San Francisco is one of the most walkable cities in the nation, making it easy for attendees to access top attractions, restaurants and event venues without using cars. This is especially convenient for citywides, thanks to the close proximity of group hotels to The Moscone Center. San Francisco also offers a host of green transportation options, including the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), San Francisco Municipal Transit (Muni), e-bikes, e-scooters and Waymo—an all-electric, autonomous ride-hailing service available 24/7. These are all cleaner ways to move through the city.
The Moscone Center proves that meetings of all sizes can be low-impact, thanks to its built-in sustainability features. As San Francisco’s premier convention facility, it offers over 1.1 million square feet of space, with natural light in all three buildings. The Center leads the way in green initiatives, boasting the lowest carbon emissions per delegate among major North American convention centers and featuring the largest rooftop solar panel array in the city. It also recovers 15 million gallons of groundwater annually for reuse in nearby parks and street cleaning, runs entirely on zero-emission electricity and leverages daylight harvesting to reduce lighting demands.
For group stays and self-contained meetings, San Francisco offers more than 250 hotels—many of which are LEED Silver- or Gold-certified—where attendees can settle into eco-chic properties with initiatives like energy-efficient systems, composting and recycling programs, and water conservation measures. This allows you to align your event with eco-conscious values from check-in to check-out.
San Francisco keeps it green—literally. Designated a Biophilic City, San Francisco invites attendees to reconnect with nature across 3,400 acres of green spaces, including 233 distinct parks. Groups can step outside and soak in the city's natural beauty for refreshing pre- and post-meeting breaks regardless of their meeting location. From eco-friendly al fresco dining at Michelin-starred restaurants to iconic outdoor attractions like Golden Gate Park, the Presidio and PIER 39, there’s no shortage of scenic spots to explore. Incorporating memorable, open-air experiences into your agenda is simple.
Need help bringing it all together? The San Francisco Travel Association is here to support planners in executing a truly green meeting. From coordinating group travel with eco-conscious transportation providers to recommending sustainable catering options and handling post-event sustainability reporting, our team ensures your gathering is both impactful and environmentally responsible down to the last detail.
There’s nothing like meeting sustainably in San Francisco—so get the SF out here!
Sponsored by San Francisco Travel
