Green events made easy
Chicago is the perfect place to make a big impact on your attendees — and a small impact on the environment.
Discover eco-friendly Chicago venues, hotels, vendors, and more to start planning your next green meeting.
Greenhouse cocktail hour at Eden
Sustainable meetings in Chicago
Sustainability in Chicago
Green Chicago at a glance
- 600+ parks owned by the Chicago Park District
- 500+ green roofs in Chicagoland
- 25 electric buses managed by the Chicago Transit Authority
- 470+ miles of bike lanes and trails
- 17,000+ bikes and e-bikes in the Divvy bike-share program
- No. 2 state for LEED-certified buildings in the U.S.
Looking ahead: Chicago’s green goals
- 62% reduction in citywide carbon emissions by 2040
- 100% renewable energy for city buildings by 2035
- 100% renewable energy for Chicago Transit Authority buses by 2040
Sustainability at McCormick Place
Recognized for sustainability efforts by Green Seal, LEED, and more
The largest farm-to-fork rooftop garden in the Midwest
Food rescue, campus composting, and waste sorting technology
100% of electricity usage is offset with certified wind renewable energy certificates
Meet sustainably in Chicago
Create an unforgettable experience for your attendees — while minimizing your event’s environmental footprint.
Discover resources for planning a better-for-the-planet meeting with these Chicago venues, caterers, hotels, and more that will help put some green in your next gathering.
Find sustainable meeting inspirationGreen Chicago attractions
More Chicago meeting inspiration
Private dining in Chicago for large groups
Planning a dinner or cocktail party for 100 people or more? It’s easy to find the perfect private group dining space in Chicago. We’ve got…
Partner with Hispanic- and Latino-owned Chicago businesses
Meeting planners will want to tap into the expertise of Chicago’s Hispanic- and Latino-owned vendors as they begin organizing their next conference or event. These…
Venues with iconic Chicago views
When it comes to hosting unforgettable meetings and events, Chicago sets the stage like no other city. From sleek skyscraper venues with sweeping city views…
Chicago indoor private dining
Chicago offers a bevy of restaurants that are ideal for private dining, from old-school steakhouses to innovative James Beard Award winners. With many featuring flexible…
Work with Indigenous Chicago partners
In recognition of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on Aug. 9, 2025, consider using the services of Indigenous-owned businesses for your next Chicago…
WEFTEC attendees give back to Chicago
Chicago communities benefit immensely when conference attendees choose to volunteer and give back to the city. When the Water Environment Federation brought its annual technical…
