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 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 37th Conference on Hurricanes and Tropical Meteorology.

AMS is:

• Increasing our vegetarian/pescetarian/vegan menu options.
  • Make sure to attend the plant-based Welcome Reception on Monday, 30 March! RSVP during registration.
• Collecting RSVPs for food events to provide the right amount of food and reduce waste.
• Utilizing digital signage when possible.
• Requesting AMS waste and donation data from all AMS meeting venues.
  • Trash, recycling, composting, etc.
• 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 San Diego.
• Offering badge holder and lanyard recycling via boxes in the registration area.
• Minimizing printed materials
  • Printed programs will not be provided at the 37th Conference on Hurricanes and Tropical Meteorology. PDF Daily Grids can be found here. Please use our online program 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.

Going Green at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine

Energy & Climate

• Guest rooms are transitioning to full LED lighting to improve energy efficiency.
• Meeting rooms use lighting sensors and lights are activated only when spaces are in use.
• Exterior window tinting reduces heat load and improves cooling efficiency.
• Energy usage is monitored in partnership with Commercial Energy to identify conservation opportunities.
• Shades in guest rooms and meeting spaces are kept closed when not in use to reduce heat gain.

Water Conservation

• Linen-less banquet tables reduce water usage associated with laundering.
• Moderated coffee, tea, and pre-set water service based on consumption levels to reduce waste.
• Dish and glass washing machines are properly calibrated to optimize water efficiency.

Waste Reduction & Circularity

• Large-format bathroom amenity dispensers replace single-use plastic bottles.
• Paperless check-out with folios emailed to guests.
• Digital QR codes provide hotel information to reduce printed materials.
• Recycling bins for plastic, paper, and cans available in public areas and guest floors.
• Food waste and landscape clippings are composted.
• Gently used sheets are donated to Father Joe’s.
• Untouched excess food is donated to Chef to End Hunger.
• Plastic straws are eliminated; paper straws available upon request.

Responsible Food & Beverage Practices

• Locally sourced and crafted food and beverage offerings.
• Cage-free eggs used in hotel restaurants.
• Sustainably sourced seafood from responsible suppliers.
• At least one plant-based (vegetarian) entrée included in every menu.
• Regulated protein portion sizes (5 oz lunch / 6 oz dinner) to reduce food waste.
• Royal Cup certified coffee served.

Sustainability in San Diego and La Jolla

• Citywide Climate Action Goals:
  The City of San Diego Climate Action Plan has set targets for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, and efforts continue to reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency, improve waste diversion, and expand renewable energy use.

• Clean Energy & Waste Strategies:
  As part of this plan, San Diego is promoting investments in renewables (including solar), enhanced recycling and composting programs, and infrastructure to support walking, biking, and electric vehicles — all aimed at reducing environmental impact from tourism and development.

• Regional Sustainability Efforts:
  San Diego County’s sustainability initiatives, aligned with the city’s goals, include greenhouse gas reduction measures, waste diversion actions, and community programs to expand sustainable practices across homes, businesses, and public spaces

• San Diego topped WalletHub's 2024 sustainability ranking as the greenest city in the United States. This list looked as cities across the country and evaluated them on 28 items such as Air-Quality Index, Share of Green Hotels, Miles of Bicycle Lanes, Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installations per Capita, and Community Carden Sites per Capita.

Click here for more information on how to be a sustainable tourist in San Diego.