Marriott International has unveiled its first official sustainability report using guidelines set forth by the Global Reporting Initiative. Since 2007, the company has reduced its energy consumption by 11 percent and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 10.7 percent. Marriott is also on track to meet its goal of a 25 percent decrease in energy and water consumption per available room by 2017.
In the report, Marriott unveils results from 2008 and 2009 in the areas of economic, environmental, and social responsibility performance. Highlights from the report include:
- Reducing water consumption per available room by 8.2 percent in two years.
- Increasing LEED registered and certified hotels from 18 to 67.
- Seeding $2 million to jump start an Amazon rainforest preservation project in Brazil and $500,000 to help protect access to fresh water in China.
- Surpassing the goal of 500 minority- and women-owned hotels a year early, reaching 525 in 2009.
- Reviewing community programs and NGO partnerships addressing poverty alleviation, disaster relief, education, and children’s well-being.
