Protecting the Rainforest

The Centerpiece of Marriott’s Five-Point Environmental Strategy
 
Clearing forests causes more carbon emissions than all the world’s cars, trains, trucks and SUVs combined. That’s why the centerpiece of Marriott International’s environmental strategy is helping protect 1.4 million acres (589,000 hectares) of endangered rainforest in the Juma Sustainable Development Reserve in partnership with the state of Amazonas in Brazil.
 
Through this pioneering effort, Marriott and its customers are funding an environmental management plan administered by the Amazonas Sustainable Foundation, which will monitor and enforce protection of the Juma reserve. The project will support the employment, education and healthcare for the approximately 2,500 people who live there.  TÜV SÜD, an independent accredited environmental auditing firm, has validated the project, awarding it “gold status” under the Carbon, Community and Biodiversity Standards.
 
Marriott has committed $2 million to this rainforest fund, and now we’re inviting guests to green their hotel stay by making contributions.  To learn more about this program or make a donation, visit Help Save the Rainforest.
 
Marriott’s five-point environmental strategy was developed in collaboration with Conservation International, a global conservation organization.  In addition to rainforest preservation, Marriott's strategy calls for reduction of water, waste and energy consumption; greening its supply chain; building greener hotels; and engaging employees and guests to take action. 
 
Calculating Marriott’s Carbon Footprint:  To calculate Marriott’s carbon footprint of 3 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually—or .031 metric tons (69.5 pounds) per available room—the company measured its electricity and gas consumption in guest rooms and public spaces at nearly 1,000 managed hotels worldwide, as well as at its headquarters building and regional offices.  The calculation has been certified by ICF International, a leader in climate change consulting services.   


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