Marriott International has outlined its net zero strategy building on its existing 2025 sustainability goals.

The company has signed up to the Race to Zero which is “a global campaign rallying companies, cities, regions, and financial and educational institutions, to reach net-zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050”.

Marriott’s current sustainability strategy aims to “reduce environmental impacts through the construction and operation of sustainable hotels and responsible sourcing while protecting and restoring the ecosystems on which life depends”. The company highlighted:

  • The reduction of single-use plastics including replacing tiny, single-use toiletry bottles of shampoo, conditioner and bath gel in guestroom showers with larger pump-topped bottles. When fully implemented across the globe in 2022, the company’s expanded toiletry program is expected to prevent about 500 million tiny bottles annually from going to landfills.
  • The roll-out of an internal food waste prevention and reduction educational campaign, designed to support Marriott’s goal to reduce food waste by 50 per cent.
  • The launch of a responsible sourcing guide to help Marriott’s suppliers join its sustainability journey on the path to responsibly sourcing 95 per cent of the company’s top ten priority categories.
  • The development of a certifications database to help properties operate more responsibly and work towards the goal of 100 per cent of the portfolio receiving a third-party sustainability certification.
  • Planting more than 415,000 trees over the last several years, including through the company’s work as a founding member of the Evergreen Alliance.
  • Ecosystem restoration and carbon sequestration projects, such as working with The Ocean Foundation to remove and repurpose sargassum seaweed.

The additional initiatives ‘may’ include

  • increased use of renewable energy,
  • building electrification to maximize renewable electricity,
  • continued modifications to design standards so buildings are more efficient, and
  • the installation of automation systems and energy efficiency upgrades (for example, smart thermostats).

The company will also “provide further visibility to the carbon footprint and environmental impact of [customers] travel with Marriott” by an “enhanced focus on existing sustainability efforts such as solid waste and food waste reduction and natural capital restoration, with the opportunity to participate in activities such as reforestation as well as coral and mangrove plantings”.

“We are driven to make a positive and sustainable impact wherever we do business, and this rigorous climate commitment to reach net-zero emissions is a needed step for us to do our part to help the communities and environments where we live, work and visit remain resilient and vibrant,” said Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International. “Even as we navigate one of the industry’s most difficult periods, we know this ambition will be a challenge. We are proud to join companies and institutions around the world striving to tackle climate change and build a healthier, more sustainable world.”

Marriott.com/Serve360