Hotel company Marriott International has pledged to reduce
its emissions in line with the Science Based Targets initiative and has a
long-term goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050.
As part of its commitment to reaching this target, Marriott
has signed on to Race to Zero via the Business Ambition for 1.5 standard, which
calls on businesses to reduce emissions in an effort to keep global temperature
rises from exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels – something scientists
say could prevent the worst impacts of climate change.
The company’s portfolio of hotels has been working to reduce
its carbon footprint as part of its existing 2025 sustainability goals, and
Marriott says the new commitment is the next step on that journey. It adds that
achieving these targets will require partnership with its employees, hotel
owners and franchisees.
According to Marriott, steps it may take to reduce emissions
include increased use of renewable energy, building electrification, continued
modifications to design standards to make buildings more energy efficient and
the installation of automation systems and energy efficiency upgrades. In
addition, the company will enhance its focus on existing sustainability efforts
such as solid waste and food waste reduction and natural capital restoration,
with guests and customers offered the opportunity to participate in activities
such as reforestation and coral and mangrove plantings.
Sustainability initiatives at a property level include the
installation of a hybrid windmill and solar power system on the roof of the
Heathrow London Marriott, which powers the building’s LED signage. The hotel
also turns off non-essential lights and equipment between 1530 and 1830, while
lighting throughout the property and its car park have been converted to LED to
reduce power consumption and voltage has been lowered to the more efficient 235–240-volt
range.