Hotel and hospitality giant Marriott International made a series of climate-focused announcements today, including commitments to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to set science-based emissions reduction targets across all scopes, in line with 1.5°C emissions scenarios, and a long-term target to reach net-zero value chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by no later than 2050.
Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International, said:
“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.”
Founded in 2015, SBTi was formed as a collaboration between CDP, World Resources Institute (WRI), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), with the goal to establish science-based environmentalEnvironmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature. target setting as a standard corporate practice.
According to Marriott, achieving the company’s new goals may include initiatives such as 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. Several of these complement the company’s current 2025 sustainability goals, which include reducing carbon intensity by 30% across the company’s portfolio, achieving at least 30% renewable electricity use, and to have 100% of hotels certified to a recognized sustainability standard.
The company also announced that it is signing onto climate initiative Race to Zero via the most ambitious standard, Business Ambition for 1.5°C. Race to Zero is a global campaign designed to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, and investors committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest, launched under the stewardship of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Business Ambition for 1.5°C is an SBTi-led initiative calling on companies to commit to set ambitious science-based emissions reduction targets in line with a 1.5°C future.
Capuano said:
“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.”
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