Sustainability is a long-term goal for The American Society of Civil Engineers to meet the needs of economic growth at its current speed with the least impact on the environment. But it’s more than preserving the natural world and its fragile ecologies. It's about enabling the growth and development of businesses and government entities so that all parts of society work harmoniously to ensure that future generations have the natural resources to survive.
ASCE and its members are dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future in which human society has the capacity and opportunity to maintain and improve its quality of life indefinitely, without degrading the quantity, quality, or the availability of natural, economic, and social resources.
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is our society’s ability to exist and develop without depleting all of the natural resources needed to live in the future. Sustainable development supports this long-term goal with the implementation of systems, frameworks, and support from global, national, and local entities.
Why is sustainability important?
Sustainability is important for preserving our planet and natural resources like water and air. Building a sustainable future and cultivating sustainable ways of living will reduce pollution and protect the habitats of plants and animals.
A key part of sustainability involves sustainable business practices and economic development, including green technology, eco-friendly supply chains, and more. When businesses and governments follow sustainable sustainable practices, it creates a ripple effect on individuals and communities to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuels. All of this contributes to a better quality of life.
What are some things we are doing at Ports '25 to be more sustainable?
- Our conference program agenda will be printed on recycled paper (thanks to Liftech Consultants, Inc.)
- All content will be made available through the conference app to reduce printed agendas (thanks to Collins Engineers, Inc.)
- Our custom eco-friendly lanyards will be made from recycled bamboo, which is an entirely natural and rapidly renewable material (thanks to WSP)
- Our conference signage will be created on biodegradable honeycomb corrugated cardboard
- Drinking water will be served in water coolers instead of disposable plastic bottles (thanks to Marine Solutions)
- Reusable water bottles made from sugarcane (green PE) will be distributed. With every water bottle Ports '25 supplies, a similar bottle of water will be donated to a rural community in Africa. (thanks to KPFF)
- Gala food leftovers will be donated through local sources (thanks to AECOM, GEI Consultants, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., WSP, Foth & Trelleborg Marine & Infrastructure)
What are some things the Rhode Island Convention Center does to be more sustainable?
- Recycling of all bottles, cans, office paper and cardboard
- Recycling bins are placed in all public areas
- The use of motion sensors and energy-efficient lighting in their 2,400-space parking garage
- The use of occupancy sensors for lights in all emergency stairwells and meeting rooms
- The use of green chemicals in all water treatment systems and for all general cleaning
- Variable Speed Drives on mechanical equipment
- Water conservation through the use of automatic faucets and flush valves in all restrooms
- All exterior tunnel lighting replaced with compact fluorescent fixtures and electronic ballasts
- LED lighting installed throughout the facility resulting in significant kilowatt savings each year
- Cooking oil recycled and turned into biodiesel
- Reception napkins are made from recycled paper and all straws are made from paper products
- China dishware and silverware (that can be washed) will be used at Rhode Island Convention Center meals
What can you do to help Ports '25 to be more sustainable?
- Reuse your conference towels instead of creating daily laundry
- Prioritize mindful sustainable actions in your hotel, restaurants and around the city of Providence (ie. turning hotel lights off when not in use / change hotel thermostat when vacant / bring a reusable straw while dining / bring reusable bags for shopping)
- At the conclusion of the conference, please return your name badge to be reused
- Explore Providence on foot or by bicycle
- Use public transportation to/from the airport.
Participate in an airline carbon-offsetting program
What is carbon offsetting? Carbon offsets fund specific projects that either lower CO2 emissions, or “sequester” CO2, meaning they take some CO2 out of the atmosphere and store it. Some common examples of projects include reforestation, building renewable energy, carbon-storing agricultural practices, and waste and landfill management.
Before you purchase your airline tickets to Providence, please consider making the commitment to contribute to your airline's carbon offset program!
Providence Walks: A Historical Downtown Walking or Bike Self-Guided Tour
During your stay in Providence, you can explore the entire city on foot or bicycle.
* Source: Providence Warwick CVB | This tour was researched and written by Amelia Golcheski.
Click here for a virtual version of the walking tour.
Click here to view a full-size PDF of the map.
The geographical, political, economic and cultural core of Rhode Island’s capital, Providence’s downtown neighborhood is bordered by the Providence River and Interstate 95. Colonial Providence was born on the East Side along the Providence River, but with both the success of the mercantile trade and the industrial revolution, the small city expanded west. Providence became a bustling manufacturing town and by the late 19th century, the city was the transportation hub of southeastern New England due to the extensive railroad network.
The 20th century was an era that started with optimism, followed by the harsh reality of the depression and, ultimately, a transition for downtown. This era also saw the creation of Providence's modern skyline with new Art Deco structures, now icons of the this prosperous time in Providence's history.
Today, downtown Providence is a vibrant mix of nationally recognized arts and cultural institutions, top-ranked restaurants, world-renowned universities, creative industries, financial and legal firms, and locally owned businesses earning the city the name, “The Creative Capital.” Preservation and an appreciation for architecture and history are a constant thread in this neighborhood’s story.
