As leaders in the weather, water and climate community, the AMS recognizes the impacts that our meetings can have on the environment. We are committed to improving the sustainability of all meetings, including specialty meetings. 

AMS is building on sustainable practices from previous events with new guidelines that govern how we conduct our meetings and scientific conferences, and what partners and venues we choose to work with.

What We’re Doing–and What You Can Do

Not only is the AMS committed to reducing our carbon footprint at our meetings, we are encouraging all attendees to get involved and help the AMS reach our goals. Below are the initiatives that AMS is proud to offer at the 24th Conference on Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics & 22nd Conference on Middle Atmosphere. 

AMS is:

• Increasing our vegetarian/pescetarian/vegan menu options. 
  • The Icebreaker Reception on Monday, 24 June will be fully vegetarian! By removing meat options from the menu for a 350+ person event, we will save approximately 7,800kg of Co2 emission from entering the atmosphere (which is the equivalent of driving a car around the earth nearly 1.5 times!). Make sure to RSVP for this event during registration.
• Collecting RSVPs for food events to provide the right amount of food and reduce waste
• Utilizing digital signage when possible.
• Offsetting all staff travel by purchasing carbon offsets from Bonneville Environmental Foundation.
• Encouraging attendees to offset meeting travel by purchasing carbon offsets. 
  • Offset your travel by purchasing carbon offsets here. 
• Encouraging staff and attendees to use public transportation around Burlington.
• Offering badge holder and lanyard recycling via boxes in the registration area.
• Minimizing printed materials
  • If you need a meeting program, please request one during the registration process by 7 June. Otherwise, please use our online program (coming soon!) to plan your day and see what’s next!
• Printing on materials that are reusable, recyclable, eco-conscious, etc.
• Continuing to offer a virtual attendance option for all meetings.
• Conducting a site visit to explore sustainability in practice at each meeting venue.

In addition to AMS initiatives, Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain and Burlington also engage in sustainable practices.

Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain (soon to be Hotel Champlain)

• Sleeping room amenities such as body wash, shampoo and conditioner and purchased in bulk and refilled as needed
• Approximately 90% of all lights are LED, 10% are fluorescent with motion sensors
• Emphasis on sourcing local ingredients and products - partnered with over 40 local farmers and producers
• Beverage pantries on each sleeping room floor
  • Guests can fill their reusable water bottles or travel mugs with complimentary sparkling or still water, decaf or caffeinated coffee, hot chocolate, or assorted teas

To learn more about Hilton’s sustainability initiatives, click here.

City of Burlington Initiatives

• Net Zero by 2030
  • Burlington City Hall and the University of Vermont have made a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030
• Banning single use plastics
  • Plastic bags, straws and styrofoam food containers
• Mandatory composting laws
  • Require all residents as well as hotels and restaurants to compost food scraps and waste

To learn more about Burlington’s sustainability initiatives, like the Climate Action Plan, click here.