Sustainability & Social Impact
The Water Environment Federation aspires to reduce our environmental impact and to make positive contributions to the communities where we host WEFTEC.
As an EIC Platinum-certified event, WEFTEC is leading the way in sustainable practices across the water sector.
Sustainability in Action
At WEFTEC, sustainability is more than a goal—it’s how we plan, operate, and grow. We continually work to reduce our environmental footprint, support inclusive practices, and lead by example in responsible event planning.
EIC Platinum Certification
Fill it Forward Partnership
WEF is once again teaming up with Xylem, our WEFTEC Sustainability Partner, and Fill it Forward to inspire attendees to use refillable water bottles at WEFTEC. See the impact of this effort.
Diverse, Inclusive Community
WEFTEC strives to create a welcoming environment for all professionals across the water sector by bringing together voices from a wide range of backgrounds, roles, and experiences.
Sustainable Procurement
At WEFTEC, we're replacing plastic bottles with aluminum ones and working to ensure all takeaway packaging is recyclable or compostable.
Water Footprint Reduction
100% of WEFTEC’s water usage is offset through the purchase of Water Restoration Credits (WRCs) from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
Thanks to attendee contributions and a WEF match, 55% of travel-related greenhouse gas emissions from WEFTEC 2024 were offset through Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs) from the U.N.'s carbon offset platform.
Give Back to Chicago: Cradles to Crayons
Help us support the local community that’s hosting WEFTEC. Join Cradles to Crayons to assemble hygiene kits for Chicago children living in homeless or low-income situations. It’s a quick, meaningful way to make a difference while you’re at the conference.
📍 McCormick Place
🗓️ Monday, September 29 | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
🗓️ Tuesday, September 30 | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Make Your Trip Matter—Offset Your Travel
Building a more sustainable future starts with small, intentional choices—including how we travel. WEFTEC offers attendees the option to offset carbon emissions during registration, supporting verified projects like reforestation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency to reduce greenhouse gases and contribute to long-term environmental progress.
Register & Offset Your Travel
Small Choices, Big Impact
Your everyday habits can help make WEFTEC a more sustainable event—and support our shared commitment to protecting water and the environment. These small, intentional actions add up.
- Skip the car when you can. Use the WEFTEC Shuttle, public transit, or walk to McCormick Place.
- Bring your own bottle. Reusable water bottles and mugs cut down on waste.
- Go digital. Use the mobile app for maps, schedules, and updates—printed programs are available in limited quantities.
- Reuse at your hotel. Opt into towel and linen programs.
- Power down. Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.
- Recycle right. Use the bins provided and sort responsibly.
Our Partners
Sustainability at WEFTEC is a collective effort—driven by dedicated partners who help us reduce our environmental impact and advance more sustainable event practices.
McCormick Place
As our host venue and the largest convention center in North America, McCormick Place is EIC Silver Certified and a longtime leader in sustainable event practices—pioneering innovative, eco-conscious operations.
Honeycomb Strategies
Our sustainability advisor, Honeycomb Strategies, helps WEF meet the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards by identifying solutions, engaging stakeholders, measuring impact, and guiding long-term improvements.
Freeman
As WEFTEC’s general contractor, Freeman plays a key role in reducing the event’s environmental footprint. With a goal of net zero by 2050, they’re focused on cutting emissions, reducing waste, and using more sustainable materials.
Xylem
Xylem returns as WEFTEC’s official Sustainability Partner, teaming up with Fill it Forward to champion reusable water bottles and reduce single-use waste. Each scan of a Fill it Forward sticker supports global clean water and hygiene initiatives—turning refills into real-world impact.
