Marriott International has made a major, five-pronged commitment to the green movement. The hotelier last month took steps aimed at addressing the plan's first area: carbon offsets. It signed an agreement with the state of Amazonas, in Brazil, to help protect 1.4 million acres of endangered rainforest. The company pledged to contribute $2 million to the newly created Amazonas Sustainable Foundation and to announce a way for guestsincluding groupsto contribute to the fund to offset greenhouse gas emissions and a green meetings program later this month.
The other four portions of Marriott's plan are to reduce water, waste, and energy consumption; green its supply chain; build greener hotels; and engage employees and guests to take action.
"The future of business is green," said Arne Sorenson, CFO and cochair of Marriott's Green Council.
Added Stephanie Hampton, senior director of corporate public relations, "Our customers expect this now, and meeting planners are asking more about greening their meetings."
Marriott promised to cut down on fuel and water consumption by 25 percent per available room over the next 10 years, and install solar power at up to 40 hotels by 2017.Also, it will expand existing "reduce, reuse, recycle" programs at 90 percent of its hotels, starting in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Washington, DC. A big difference also will be made among Marriott's suppliers, as the company has asked its top 40 vendors to supply price-neutral greener products to its $10-billion supply chain. Pens, paint, towels, and numerous other items will be more earth-friendly. Also under consideration are compostable key cards, recyclable carpet, and more responsibly packaged soaps and shampoos.
By the end of 2009, hotel design guidelines will be in line with the U.S.Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and Marriott plans to receive LEED-Existing Building status for its headquarters. Lastly, Marriott plans to encourage employees and guests to take earth-friendly actions daily.
Originally published May 5, 2008