Marriott-branded hotels in the United Kingdom have successfully reduced carbon emissions and greenhouse gases collectively by 7.3 percent to earn Carbon Trust Standard certification, a government program launched in 2008 in response to the U.K.’s Climate Change Act to benchmark and assess company commitment and success in addressing climate change impact. In addition, 25 hotels will achieve Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) certification, a program validated by Visit Britain and the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) which assesses energy and water efficiency, waste management and biodiversity, by year-end.
One of the improvements involves the greening of all Marriott golf courses. Last year, the company announced a goal to have all of its golf courses certified by the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary, a program that helps golf courses protect natural wildlife habitats, improve efficiency and minimize potentially harmful effects of golf course operations. Today, 10 courses, which are located in the U.K., have earned Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary-certification, bringing the number of Marriott golf courses earning the achievement to 48 worldwide. The ten golf courses are:
- Breadsall Priory, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club
- Dalmahoy, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club
- Forest of Arden, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club
- Hollins Hall, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club
- Hanbury Manor, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club
- Meon Valley, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club
- Sprowston Manor, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club
- St. Pierre, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club
- Tudor Park, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club
- Worsley Park, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club
To achieve certification, golf courses must demonstrate effectiveness in water quality management, outreach and education, wildlife and habitat management, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation and environmental planning. For more information on the program, visit Audubon International. For more information on the certification programs, visit U.K. Carbon Trust Standard and Green Tourism Business Scheme.
Building on more than 20 years of energy conservation experience, Marriott is committed to protecting the environment. The company’s Spirit To Preserve® environmental strategy calls for: Greening its $10 billion supply chain; further reducing fuel consumption by 25 percent per available room; creating green construction standards for hotel developers to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council; educating and inspiring employees and guests to support the environment; and helping protect the rainforest. Join their conversation about traveling green by following MarriottGreen: www.twitter.com/marriottgreen.
