Sustainability

Carbon & Travel

APSA acknowledges the environmental impact of travel to our events and has partnered with the National Forest Foundation‘s Sapling Program to support reforestation efforts across the 193-million-acre National Forest System. As part of the Annual Meeting registration process, attendees have the option to contribute a donation to help offset their travel-related emissions.

All contributions collected through registration will go directly to the National Forest Foundation (NFF), an organization dedicated to strengthening connections to public lands and advancing forest conservation. The NFF aims to plant 50 million trees in areas of greatest ecological need. With a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the NFF has the highest charity rating available, so you can be confident that each dollar donated goes toward planting one tree.


Following the Annual Meeting, APSA will forward 100% of the attendee contributions directly to the National Forest Foundation. Every dollar donated will fund the planting of one tree in a U.S. National Forest.

Here are suggested donation amounts based on your mode of travel:

  • Air – North America: $4 – $18
  • Air – Other International: $25 – $55
  • Train – Regional: $1 – $2
  • Car – Regional: $1 – $4

These estimates are based on the Climate Care calculator, which you can use to calculate your individual emissions and find a recommended donation amount based on your travel.

Attendees of the 2025 APSA Annual Meeting donated a total of $2,646 – enough to plant 2,646 trees! These trees will support Whitebark Pine re-establishment in the Northern Rockies, wildfire recovery efforts in the Pacific Coast States, and reforestation projects across the Western Great Lakes, Southern Rockies, and Appalachia.

APSA Annual Meeting Sustainability Initiatives

Our Initiatives:

  • Sapling Program participation through the National Forest Foundation.
  • Electronic program or mobile app in lieu of a printed program.
  • Recyclable badge stock without plastic holders.
  • Recyclable lanyards.
  • Signs are printed on eco-friendly materials

Environmental stewardship and sustainability are key priorities at the John B. Hynes Convention Center. The Hynes is committed to maintaining a clean environment, promoting sustainable practices, and protecting the surrounding community and the city of Boston. Ongoing efforts include the use of green cleaning products, sourcing local food and beverage options, composting food waste, reducing energy consumption, and increasing waste diversion rates each year. More information on sustainability practices at the Hynes is available here: https://www.signatureboston.com/hynes/green-building-practices

Energy

The Hynes Convention Center features a state-of-the-art Lutron lighting system throughout the facility, along with sensor-controlled lighting in all meeting rooms. To improve building efficiency, the facility reduces lighting and HVAC usage during show move-in and move-out periods. The Hynes minimizes overall power consumption through sensor-controlled utilities, high-efficiency lighting, and operational strategies that limit energy use in non-occupied spaces. As a result of LED lighting upgrades alone, the facility saves approximately 1,300,000 kWh annually.

Food & Beverage

The Hynes, in partnership with Levy Restaurants, are committed to sustainable sourcing and waste reduction, with up to 75% of ingredients coming from local farms and producers depending on the season. Each meeting room features spring water coolers to promote reusable water bottles over single-use plastic, designated dining areas offer compost bins, and Levy Restaurants uses biodegradable packaging and corn-based compostable cups and utensils.

Cleaning & Recycling

As part of its commitment to health and sustainability, the Hynes uses environmentally friendly cleaning products, recycled restroom paper products, and HEPA filtration to capture dust particles. Together, the Hynes and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) recycle more than 800 tons of material annually, including cardboard, plastic, paper, glass, and food waste. This comprehensive recycling program supports employees, contractors, exhibitors, and attendees, and covers materials ranging from cardboard, mixed paper, and plastic wrap to pallets, low-voltage cabling, and carpet.

The facility diverts over 600,000 pounds of food waste each year for anaerobic digestion, with remaining materials pelletized and land applied. In addition, the Hynes launched an office organics collection program in 2019, with a designated collection location currently available onsite.

The Conventions C.A.R.E. (Community Assistance by Responsible Events) donation program further supports waste reduction efforts by collecting clean, usable, nonperishable items from exhibitors and event planners following conventions and distributing them to local nonprofit organizations throughout Boston. The program diverts approximately 25,000 pounds of waste annually and distributes roughly 40 tons of donated goods each year. More information is available at: https://www.massconvention.com/community/conventions-care 

  • Use public transportation to get into and around the city.
  • Place all waste and recyclables into designated receptacles.
  • Bring along a reusable water bottle to refill.
  • Donate to help offset your travel impact during meeting registration.