The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin has a dedicated group of associates known as the Green Team, driven by a shared mission of ensuring sustainability at the hotel. At the helm is Environmental Management Officer Murat Elci, whose passion for climate protection is contagious among his coworkers and has turned ambitious goals into tangible achievements.

When the hotel first opened in 2004, Murat began as an Engineering Coordinator and quickly became the driving force behind the hotel's sustainability initiatives. One of his most significant contributions was the hotel’s Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) environmental certification in 2010 – and he didn’t stop there. In 2023, he led the hotel to achieve the prestigious global Green Key certification, making The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin one of the first Marriott properties in Berlin to receive this distinction.

Murat's commitment to sustainability goes beyond property certifications. He has integrated environmental goals and initiatives into the hotel's operations, resulting in significant cost savings and enhanced guest satisfaction. One of his most innovative programs is the installation of six beehives on the hotel's roof, which produces up to 200 kg of honey annually. The rooftop apiary where the beehives are kept not only contributes to local biodiversity but also provides the means to delight guests with special and sustainable jars of honey.

Murat is also known for fostering a culture of environmental stewardship beyond the hotel. He has contributed to task forces at other local properties in the Marriott portfolio, where he enthusiastically supports other teams in pursuit of their own certifications. He is deeply connected to the community and his recycling and upcycling projects – such as collecting used hotel soaps to repurpose for those in need and making school notebooks from recycled paper – demonstrate his compassion and commitment to making a positive impact.

The sustainability work led by Murat has been recognized in the community, with numerous letters of appreciation from notable figures and a feature in government-sponsored advertising campaign. Murat’s story is a shining example of how one person's commitment to sustainability can make a profound difference.