WWETT's Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability at The WWETT Show: Inspiring Sustainable Development
The WWETT Show proudly demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by embedding impactful initiatives and fostering industry-wide progress. Through education, equity, safety, purposeful partnerships, waste reduction, and team engagement, we are driving meaningful change in the wastewater and environmental services industry.
Congratulations to PolyJohn, Winner of the 2026 WWETT Most Sustainable Booth Award!
PolyJohn earned the 2026 WWETT Most Sustainable Booth Award for its long-standing commitment to waste reduction and reuse. For over a decade, the company has invested in durable booth materials, reused assets show after show, consolidated shipments, and chosen more sustainable lodging, demonstrating a thoughtful, end-to-end approach to sustainability.
Key Accomplishments in 2026
Education
Equity in the Industry
We are committed to fostering equity within the wastewater industry and the communities it serves. Our initiatives include:
Environmental Responsibility
Shaping the Water and Wastewater Industry for a Sustainable Future.
We know that sustainability is becoming increasingly important. Running the WWETT Show gives us many opportunities to improve our impact environmentally, socially and economically in the regions we operate.
We want to make the WWETT Show more responsible and play a role in helping the market improve its own sustainability. We do this through connecting people with networks and knowledge to help solve the big challenges in our industry.
Our Three Pledges
Inspiring Sustainable Development
Environmental Responsibility
Social Responsibility
See It In Action - Green Initiatives
Energy
We minimize energy use by reducing the lights, power and HVAC during move-in and move-out times in exhibit halls.
Exhibitor Service Manuals (ESM)
ESMs are available electronically via our website. If you require paper kits, any materials that are used will be made from post-consumer recovered fiber and recycled paper.
Better Stands Program
We aim to unite and encourage exhibitors, along with their appointed contractors, to build reusable stands instead of single-use disposable ones.
Booth Furnishings
We make use of pre-cut to length table top vinyl, reusable drapery, wooden tables and biodegradable trash can liners.
Signs & Graphics
Whenever possible, graphics are produced from environmentally responsible components with water based inks.
Octanorm Structures
All of our Octanorm metal is reusable and recyclable. Shelving is made of renewable resources and lighted structures are Energy Star Saver approved.
Staff Training
Our staff is trained to properly dispose of recyclable materials and other waste.
Signs & Graphics
Whenever possible, graphics are produced from environmentally responsible components with water based inks.
Octanorm Structures
All of our Octanorm metal is reusable and recyclable. Shelving is made of renewable resources and lighted structures are Energy Star Saver approved.
Transportation & Equipment
We utilize bio-diesel or alternative fuel trucks when feasible and use natural gas forklifts and hand carts to move freight which assists in air quality.
Material Recycling
We recycle scrap materials by returning it to vendors who reprocess it for future use as well as use it for various packing and shipping needs. All cardboard and bulk paper is recycled.
FOOD RESCUE
Second Helpings, a food rescue program, reclaims food after a food function and takes it to kitchens at their facility. Local residents are given the chance to participate in a job-training program. Under the supervision of trained chefs, these local residents learn to prepare food, which is given to homeless shelters and missions in Indianapolis. For meeting planners having receptions off site, Second Helping drivers will come with refrigerated trucks to pick up the food.
RECYCLE
The Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium recycled nearly 60 tons of aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass and cardboard in the year 2010 alone - from Colts games to expos and mega meetings. In addition, the facilities have a program for wholesalers to recycle pallets. Paper and cooking oil are also recycled. A food waste pulper recycles dishwater and condenses waste before going into the landfill. In addition to its current recycling program, Lucas Oil Stadium implemented “The Enhanced Sports Stadium Recycling Program.” With the assistance and support from various governmental divisions in the city, the program’s mission increases recycling participation and improves the overall attitude of recycling at the city’s sports stadiums. Overall objectives of the program identified recyclables, developed and implemented a holistic recycling education campaign, increased awareness of recycling options, and increase recycling tonnage and improve the facility’s environmental impact.
BIODEGRADABLE
An entire line of biodegradable disposable serviceware products, giving meeting planners a green alternative to standard china and silverware, is available. The center uses Green Seal Certified cleaning products throughout the facility. Paper towel and tissue products are 100% recycled material.
ORGANIC & LOCAL
Strategic partnerships have been developed with local farmers to purchase seasonal fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and poultry.
BULK BUYS
Condiments are purchased in bulk at Lucas Oil Stadium. On request, arrangements can be made to purchase in bulk at the Indiana Convention Center.
OPERATIONS
It is standard operating procedure to reduce lighting and HVAC during move in and out in exhibit halls and in unoccupied areas of the building. Escalators are also scheduled according to in-house groups.
High-efficiency exterior Visionwall® curtainwall glass throughout the Convention Center helps keep energy use low. Building design allows us to use natural daylight in most lobby areas and exterior lighting is on low level on non-event days at Lucas Oil Stadium. Meeting rooms and lobby areas utilize compact fluorescent lamps and exhibit halls provide more efficient lower wattage lamps with the same light output. Lucas Oil Stadium has several energy saving materials including a retractable roof, CPI Daylighting system and Big Ass® Fans that are designed to move the maximum amount of air with minimal energy consumption.
WATER
In an effort to save water, the center provides water stations rather than individual bottles for attendees. Sink faucets are sensory guided to use less water. In the public areas of the facility, the toilets have low flow valves with automatic flush. Also, for clean up, all parking lots are swept – not sprayed – saving this valuable resource. Storm water infiltration basins separates storm water from oils and grease before traveling to nearby waterways.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
During demolition of the RCA Dome, a large portion of the roof was donated to Indy Parks to be used for shelters and canopies. Local charities received furniture, kitchen equipment, televisions and other building equipment.
Our staff assists local charities in acquiring left-over convention tote bags from events. Extra bags are occasionally donated to a foster children program to be used as overnight bags.
VENDORS
We are proud to purchase supplies from eco-minded vendors including US Foodservice, Fineline Printing, St. Clair Press, and HP Products. Many of our exhibit services providers such as Markey’s Rental & Staging; Fern Exposition and Event Services, Freeman Exhibit Services, Excel Convention & Exposition Services maintain “green philosophies.”
WALKABLE
With over 5,000 hotel rooms, 200 restaurants and 50 attractions within walking distance of the center, attendees can walk while convening. Indy’s walk-ability keeps transportation costs down.
Our Commitment
United Service Companies is committed to utilizing environmentally friendly chemicals, processes, and equipment, that aid in protecting the environment and the health and safety of our employees, customers and communities we operate in.
Procurement
United Service Companies prioritizes using green cleaning equipment and chemicals. Our equipment specifically reduces emissions and use of water. Our relationships with the nations largest and most reputable cleaning product supplies provides our customers peace of mind when working with United.
Utilization
United Service Companies utilizes ongoing employee training on our green chemicals and equipment. This ensures our services at all levels are prioritizing clean practices.
Diverting Waste
United Service Companies works directly with our facility partners to recycle waste properly and greatly reduce waste from ending up in landfills. We take extra steps to follow our facility partners and client’s strict guidelines.
United’s cleaning programs helps to reduce harmful exposures and yield many other positive benefits for our workers, custodial staff and the environment. As an industry leader, we have a responsibility to be at the forefront of green cleaning. We work with the top agencies who specialize in green cleaning such as LEED, EPP, and Green Label.
How Our Commitment Works
1. Inspiring Sustainable Development
Our first aim is for our events to inspire sustainable development.
This is about the sustainability of the industry that our event serves. With focus on our content and partnerships, we inspire our attendees, exhibitors and event teams to deliver a sustainable event.
2. Running an Environmentally Responsible Event
Our second aim is to run our events in an environmentally responsible manner.
The key is considering how we can reduce our carbon footprint through energy efficiency, consideration of our energy use, waste reduction and our procurement choices.
3. Running a Socially Responsible Event
Our third aim is to run our events in a socially responsible manner.
This requires us to think about the impact we have on the local community and whether we are being a good neighbor. It also includes how we consider the welfare of everyone at our events, how we do business in an ethical and safe manner and how we promote equality and accessibility.
What Can We Do Together
Sustainability is a collaborative effort where anyone and everyone can make an impact. Whether you are in the Expo Hall browsing the booths or exploring the beautiful Indianapolis, there's so much you can do!
Please scroll down to see what small things you can do that'll make a huge difference in how the world will look in the future.
- Bring a reusable water bottle, coffee cup and a reusable straw to WWETT to help reduce single-use products.
- Consider walking or biking whenever possible or use public transportation for longer distances. If you do use a shared ride service such as Uber, Lyft, or a taxi. The company that carpools together, stays together!
- During your hotel stay, take advantage of the linen/towel reuse programs and turn off lights and televisions when not in the room.
- Take shorter showers to help reduce water consumption.
- Responsibly dispose of waste materials by recycling at the convention center, at your hotel and wherever recycling bins are found throughout the city.
- Opt to use the WWETT mobile onsite instead of the printed show guide to help reduce paper consumption.
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