With an increase in global travel comes corporate responsibility for mitigating our business impact on the natural environment. Marriott seeks to understand and act on the direct and indirect environmental impacts of their business operations.
Specific goals include:
- Further reducing energy and water consumption by 25% per available room by 2017 - Greening the $10 billion supply chain - Expanding the green hotel development tenfold over the next five years - Educating and inspiring associates and guests to support the environment - Addressing environmental challenges through innovative initiatives including rainforest protection and water conservation
Building on more than 20 years of energy conservation experience, Marriott International is committed to protecting the environment and addressing climate change, they call it their 'Spirit To Preserve'.
This effort is led by the company’s Executive Green Council, which is chaired by President and Chief Operating Officer Arne Sorenson. Marriott’s environmental vision is to be the global hospitality leader that demonstrates how responsible hospitality management can be a positive force for the environment and create economic opportunities around the world, and by example, inspire personal action in the communities where the company operates.
In 2009, Marriott invited guests to add to the company’s $2 million commitment to help save the rainforest in Brazil.
In May 2010, Marriott launched “Nobility of Nature,” a $500,000 commitment to help protect the source of fresh water in Asia for more than 2 billion people. Located in the mountains of Southwest China, the program helps rural communities develop sustainable businesses, such as mushroom farming and honey production, which reduce erosion and sedimentation and improve water quality downstream.
Marriott has been ranked one of Newsweek's "The Greenest Big Companies," and has been recognized for its environmental leadership in the hotel industry by several groups, including Ceres, an alliance of investors and environmentalists; the non-profit organization ClimateCounts.org; and Travel + Leisure magazine.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has honored Marriott with its Sustained Excellence Award for three consecutive years, and has awarded its ENERGY STAR® label to approximately 275 Marriott hotels.
