Sustainability at AU 2024: Learning and Action
As individuals, as industries, and as a species, it’s never been more important for us to embrace sustainability in everything we do. That requires continued learning—and putting that learning into practice.
At AU 2024, you can do both—sustainability will be everywhere at the conference. From the classroom to the main stage, the Theater to the immersive exhibits in the Expo, explore new ways to drive impact in your projects and processes, and learn what we’re doing to reduce the impact of your week in San Diego. Register now and join us!
Learning for sustainability at AU 2024
There are hundreds of ways to learn how to make sustainability not just possible, but practical. Explore the different types of sessions below.
Learning and connection
From industry talks and case studies to hands-on labs and Meetups, check out the AU session catalog for a full list of sustainability-focused offerings. Sessions include:
- Water Resource Management sessions
- Carbon Management sessions
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion sessions
- Future of Work sessions
- Energy & Natural Resources sessions
- Sustainability sessions
Design Thinking Workshops
Solve real-world problems in collaborative cohorts using design-thinking principles. Choose from topics like Sustainability, the Future of Work, as well as other topics like Trust. These workshops enable meaningful collaboration and networking, resulting in new ways of thinking you can take back to your workplace.
Feedback Workshops
Join two Feedback Workshops to share your ideas on relevant sustainability topics.
- What’s Your Take on Net Zero?—This session will provide a platform to discuss various perspectives on Net Zero, reviewing the current landscape, emerging approaches, and evolving standards.
- Shape the Future of Sustainability Capabilities in Design & Manufacturing— This session will help you understand the kinds of data and automation tools you need to deliver impact to your bottom line and company. We will explore the data you have today, and how you can leverage it to deliver business outcomes that amplify your sustainability goals.
Theater Talks
Step into the AU Theater for short talks on pioneering projects and ideas that can change your industry. Sessions cover critical themes, from AI and the future of work to business resiliency in a time of digital transformation. Walk-ins are welcome. Sustainability-focused Theater Talks this year include:
- Sustainability in the Built Environment
- Building Tomorrow: The Future of Construction
- Skill Shift: New Approaches for a Resilient Workforce
- Preserving the Past, Pioneering the Future
The AU 2024 Expo
Impact Booth
Come by to learn more about Autodesk sustainability-enabling solutions and our corporate commitments. You can connect with a member of our impact team, find out more about our tools, and get information about which AU impact sessions are relevant to your industry and interests.
Abundant Futures
The Abundant Futures lab by MASS Design Group exemplifies their ethos: to always be in dialogue with the people, places, flora, and fauna of our rural and urban landscapes. Learn how they listen to the voices of nature while focusing on adaptive reuse and re-wilding in projects like the Rwanda Institute of Agriculture Conservation (RICA) and the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Diann Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Renewable Maritime Energy
In San Diego, CalWave is harnessing the power of the waves to generate energy, while Aloft deploys advanced sails on global shipping vessels to reduce carbon emissions. Both show how innovative approaches to maritime activities can help us navigate the challenges of climate change.
Sustainability Leaders’ Summit
Are you a sustainability leader at your organization? If so, email us to let us know you are interested in attending this private event hosted by Autodesk Chief Sustainability Officer Joe Speicher. A select cohort will convene to discuss and explore the challenges, solutions, and opportunities that the climate crisis presents. Participants will have the chance to network and problem-solve with fellow leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and Autodesk leadership.
Digital learning sessions
Those joining us for AU Digital can also find sustainability-focused classes, including:
- Site Grading with Corridors: Are We There Yet?
- How Ecofrost Is Using Sustainable Design Strategies to Design Its Products
- Sustainability in the Built Environment
Sustainability practices at AU 2024
We make sustainability a priority at AU, doing more every year to reduce the environmental impact of the event.
Meals
Our menu features tasty options that minimize red meat, with all meals served using compostable materials. In cases where plastic water bottles are unavoidable, they are made from 100% recycled plastic that will be recycled again.
Construction of event spaces
Our vendors choose sustainable options and prioritize recyclable materials where possible. They utilize low-energy equipment and use sustainable practices in fabrication, transport, and utilization of local materials and talent whenever possible.
San Diego Convention Center sustainability policies
- 50% of the energy used in the Convention Center is renewable, and lighting, appliances, and digital signage are energy efficient.
- Food is purchased from within 150 miles when season permits, and green waste is composted.
- Water bottle refill stations reduce plastic waste.
- Nonprofits distribute unserved food to San Diegans in need.
- Extra supplies are donated to nonprofits and educational organizations.
- Landscaping features drought-tolerant plants, drip irrigation, and mulch.
How you can help
Minimizing the environmental impact of AU is a team effort. In San Diego, bring your own water bottle, notebook, and pencil each day. Consider a rideshare to and from the airport or offsetting your travel emissions through One Tree Planted or Arbor Day Foundation. Looking ahead, during the AU 2025 registration process you can opt of out the swag if you wish.
For more information about what Autodesk is doing to promote and drive sustainability, check out the Autodesk 2024 Impact Report. Register now and we will see you in San Diego!
