ASTRO is committed to doing its part to mitigate the effects of climate change on patient care and promote environmental sustainability practices within our field. While we recognize that face-to-face events, such as ASTRO’s Annual Meeting, offer a valuable way for our specialty to connect and network in person, we also understand the importance of organizing a meeting that is environmentally and socially responsible in terms of its consumption and production. In that spirit, below are some of the green initiatives that you will see at ASTRO 2026 and ways that you, as an attendee, can help lessen the meeting’s environmental footprint.
ASTRO
- Registration bags are made from recycled materials; unused bags will be donated to a local charitable organization.
- Holderless name badge is made of recyclable material and bins are available to recycle your badge and lanyard.
- Structures and signage are reusable for areas such as Posters, Industry-Expert Theaters, and the ASTRO Resource Center.
- Aisle carpet in the Exhibit Hall is made from 25% recyclable materials and reusable at future events. Once it is no longer usable, it is 100% recyclable.
- Digital signs are used outside of meeting rooms to display the session schedule.
- All posters are digital, thereby eliminating the waste that comes from traditional paper posters.
- Easel and meter board signs are made of a recyclable material.
- A meeting app, the Annual Meeting Portal, is used for meeting schedule, exhibitor directory and other helpful information and use digital options for attendee feedback and surveys.
- A fully virtual meeting is avaliable for those unable to attend or travel to the meeting in person.
Venue – Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center
The Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center (MCEC) is a recognized leader in sustainable venue operations. Some examples of specific green efforts include:
Green Building and Operations- LEED Silver certified by the U.S. Green Building Council
- Focus on energy, water, and waste conservation in daily operations
- Sensor-controlled, high-efficiency lighting and reduced energy use in unoccupied spaces
- Low-flow water systems installed throughout the facility
Energy Efficiency- Advanced lighting systems and operational controls reduce overall consumption
- Over 1.3 million kWh saved annually through LED upgrades
Waste Reduction and RecyclingThe MCEC and Hynes convention facilities recycle over 800 combined tons of material to include cardboard, plastic, paper, glass and food waste.
- Recycling and composting systems across meeting rooms, exhibit halls, and back-of-house operations
- An average food waste diversion rate of approximately 47%
Food & Beverage Sustainability- Up to 75% of ingredients are locally sourced
- Composting programs for food waste
- Use of biodegradable packaging and corn-based compostable cups and utensils
Conventions C.A.R.E. ProgramThe Conventions C.A.R.E. (Community Assistance by Responsible Events) program collects clean, usable nonperishable donations from exhibitors and event organizers and delivers them to local nonprofits around Boston. In a single year, the program collects and distributes approximately 40 tons of donated goods.
Visit the
MCEC website to learn more about their sustainability practices.
Hotels
Click on the links below to learn more about sustainability programs that many of ASTRO’s official hotels have instituted to reduce their environmental impact.
What can you do as an attendee to reduce your environmental footprint while attending ASTRO 2026?
- Recycle your badge and lanyard at the conclusion of the meeting. Recycle bins are located in the North Lobby and the shuttle dropoff at the convention center.
- Use recycling bins located throughout the convention center and in hotels to dispose of waste materials.
- Bring a water bottle and replenish at water refill stations located throughout the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center and at your hotel.
- Exchange contact information with exhibitors using the scan code on your badge, thereby limiting the use of paper business cards.
- Choose to reuse your towels, skip daily housekeeping and remember to turn off the lights in your hotel room during your stay.
- Many of ASTRO’s official hotels are conveniently located within walking distance to the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center. ASTRO also provides complimentary shuttle service to the convention center for some of the hotels at a further distance.
