Together we can make a difference!
XDS is dedicated to reducing its impact on the environment. Meeting in person is important, but we also acknowledge the impacts to our planet. Year over year, XDS will be evolving our robust sustainable event practices in order to claim our spot as one of the video game industry’s most sustainable events.
Through attentive planning around carbon emissions, waste, menu curation and manufacturing, we will continue on this journey of sustainability and do our part to keep our own world as beautiful as the expansive worlds we create in our games.
Join us in the fight against climate change by sponsoring XDS 2023’s carbon friendly offsetting and sustainable event practices. Contact us to learn more.

Carbon Emissions
XDS 2023 will be working again with Ostrom Climate Solutions to achieve a climate-friendly designation. XDS will offset all carbon emissions related to our onsite operations as well as and the travel and hotel stays for our event staff, speakers and volunteers.
What does this mean for you?
By attending XDS you can feel proud that your participation is helping to facilitate climate action. Learn more about the diverse projects that XDS is supporting around the globe to mitigate our climate impact.

Accommodation + Food
We’ve chosen Parq Vancouver, a Green Key certified venue, as our official event venue and accommodation partner.
What does this mean for you?
Staying at a Green Key certified hotel you are supporting an organization that has achieved a leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operations.
Signage, Badges & Lanyards
As in past years, we will continue to work with our signage and accreditation partners to come up with innovative and sustainable ways to transform our event space with minimal impact.
What does this mean for you?
We will be thoughtful in everything we create and that when you check into registration you’ll receive badges that are fully recyclable, lanyards made from bamboo and hotel key cards fabricated from cardboard!
Single Use Plastics + Waste
Working with our venue we will ensure our waste is kept to a minimum by creating bright and informative waste stream signage in order to streamline our waste diversion rate, and eliminate recyclable or compostable items that would otherwise have gone to a landfill.
What does this mean for you?
You won’t see any single use plastic water bottles, cups, bags, containers or cup lids at XDS! If needed, we’ll be sourcing compostable to-go cups and packaging that is compatible with our venue's waste management processing systems.
Communication
We want to ensure all of our attendees, and the broader community, know the steps we are taking to ensure we keep as sustainable as possible. We’ll continue to develop communications around our sustainability vision in order to educate and encourage our sponsors, attendees and production suppliers to join us on this journey.
What does this mean for you?
It means in the run up to XDS you’ll be hearing a lot more from us in newsletters and over social media about our plans to tackle elements of our environmental footprint and ways you can help us on our mission to becoming one of the video game industry’s most sustainable events!
XDS Sustainability Vision Successes!
37tn
CO2 emissions were offset
462lbs
plastic diverted from landfill
1.2million
litres of water consumption avoided by serving a vegetarian meal at XDS Welcome Reception
100%
recyclable FSC Certified paper XDS badges
100%
of leftover snack food from XDS Virtuous Cafe was donated
Reduce your Environmental Impact at XDS!
- Bring a reusable bottle
You won't find plastic water bottles for sale on our watch! Bring your own – Vancouver's water is better on tap! - Bring a reusable coffee mug
Keep your coffee hot while saving the world - Reuse your towels
Lessen water consumption by reusing your towels for the duration of your stay
- Getting Around
Use environmentally friendly modes of transportation - Carpool – Heading to an evening event offsite? Why not car share with 4 friends?
- Public Transportation – Take Rapid Transit or the Bus to and from offsite events or from the airport.
- Rent a Bike – Mobi Bikes are rentable throughout the city and are a great way to get around. Be sure to set up your account before you arrive!
- Walk – Vancouver is a fantastically safe and walkable city. Dust off those comfy shoes and walk to where you need to go. The planet and your waistline will thank you.
Food
Exploring the local foodie scene? Consider a restaurant or cafe that serves local ingredients, or choose one of Vancouver’s many vegetarian/vegan locations.
Below are some favorites!