Our Sustainability Commitment
At ABET, sustainability is a fundamental part of our values, and we are proud to align our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These principles guide how we design and execute our largest external event, the ABET Symposium, ensuring sustainability remains a key focus throughout.
This initiative reflects our commitment to making a lasting, positive impact – but we can’t achieve this alone. Sustainability is a shared value for many of our participants, and your involvement is crucial to our success. On this page, we outline our efforts and highlight how your contributions can help us create a more sustainable and meaningful event experience.
Waste Management and Reduction
Dedicated Recycling Bins
Recycling bins will be conveniently located throughout the event space, making it easy for participants to dispose of materials responsibly.
No Souvenirs at Registration – Trees Planted Instead
In lieu of traditional conference souvenirs, we’re focusing on meaningful contributions by planting a native tree for each participant. This not only reduces waste but also supports reforestation efforts in Northern California. Each participant will receive an e-certificate featuring a QR code linking to a satellite image of the forest created by the 2025 ABET Symposium community.
Minimized Printed Materials
To further reduce paper waste, we are eliminating preprinted flyers. Instead, participants will receive a single printed brochure featuring a QR code. This code links to all event information, ensuring a streamlined, eco-friendly approach to sharing resources.
Eco-Friendly Resources and Practices
Encouraging Reusable Water Bottles
Participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles to reduce single-use waste. Hydration stations will be available throughout the event space to make refilling convenient.
Compostable Beverage Cups
For those who do not bring their own bottles, we will provide corn-based compostable cups for beverages during breakout sessions. These cups decompose quickly and help minimize the environmental impact of single-use products.
Recycled Materials for Name Badges
Name badges will be made from recycled materials, aligning with our commitment to reducing waste and conserving resources.
Collection Bins for Lanyards and Badges
Designated collection bins will be available at exits for attendees to drop off their lanyards and badges as they leave, reducing waste and allowing these items to be repurposed in future events.
Energy and Resource Conservation
Digital Signage and App Information
To minimize printed materials, we are increasing the use of digital signage for directions, schedules and announcements. Participants are also encouraged to rely on the Symposium app, which offers a comprehensive guide to the event, including real-time updates, speaker information, and session details.
Sustainable Transportation and Local Engagement
Sustainable Transportation Options
We encourage participants to explore eco-friendly options listed on the San Diego International Airport website. San Diego offers sustainable alternatives like walking, biking, public transit, rideshares and electric scooters to help reduce your carbon footprint.
Beach Cleanup Event – Learn more about this event
As part of the 2025 ABET Symposium, we’re partnering with the Surfrider Foundation – San Diego chapter, for an afternoon of environmental impact. Surfrider has removed 63,679 pounds of trash and completed 943 beach cleanups as of April 2024, and now you can be part of their mission to protect our oceans! Make sure to sign-up for this upon registration.
Hilton San Diego Bayfront Sustainable Achievements
Water Efficiency
- Implemented a towel and sheet reuse program in guest rooms.
- Utilize a Water Reclamation System in the Laundry Department that reclaims 70% of water for reuse.
- Showerheads are at 1.75 gallons per minute, saving over 36.6 million gallons of water.
Energy Use
- Upgraded Building Automation system for tighter energy usage controls.
- Replaced conventional light switches with occupancy sensor switches and LED night lights in guest bathrooms.
- Replaced guest room thermostats with thermostats that have built-in occupancy sensors.
- Utilize environmentally responsible suppliers for purchases.
Sustainable Purchasing
- Monitor Team Member areas for electricity consumption and turn off power accordingly.
- Implement a formal furniture repair policy, repairing and reusing or donating damaged furniture.
- Default printers and copiers to double-sided printing to reduce paper usage.
Lightwall Retrofit
- Retrofit the Indigo Lightwall with LED nodes, reducing the number of circuits from 50 to 6.
- Utilize LightStay, a sustainability data management system, to measure and analyze corporate responsibility performance.
Waste Reduction
- Implement a policy for housekeeping staff not to replace consumable amenities daily unless empty.
- Donate leftover amenity bottles to Clean the World®.
- Eliminate single-use plastics in the hotel.
- Reduce food waste by 17,000 lbs per month and divert 50% of food waste from compost and landfills year over year.
Additional Activities
- De-energize unused escalator banks nightly to reduce power usage.
- Fit roof lights with LED color-changing bulbs, boasting an overall energy savings of 70%.
- Partner with Smart Kitchens of San Diego to track food waste and donate leftover food to People Aiding the Homeless San Diego.
