Marriott International has announced its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, marking a significant step in the company's sustainability journey. This commitment positions Marriott as the largest hospitality company globally with science-based targets for reducing emissions both in the near-term and long-term, as approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The company has outlined a comprehensive plan to reduce its absolute GHG emissions by 46.2% by 2030 from a 2019 base year. This target includes direct emissions from Marriott's operations (Scope 1 & 2) and indirect emissions from its supply chain and guest activities (Scope 3).

One of the strategic measures Marriott is taking includes urging its suppliers to adopt science-based emissions targets themselves, aiming to have 22% of its suppliers by emissions to set these targets by 2028.

Looking towards 2050, Marriott is setting an even more ambitious goal to reach net-zero emissions across its entire value chain, which would require a 90% reduction in both direct and indirect emissions.

To achieve these targets, Marriott is focusing on several key areas:

Energy Reduction: Implementing energy efficiency measures across its hotels, including energy audits and the adoption of energy-saving technologies.

Renewable Energy: Increasing the procurement of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind.

Sustainable Procurement: Collaborating with suppliers to decrease the carbon footprint of the goods and services Marriott purchases.

Significant strides have already been made towards these goals, evidenced by Marriott's Climate Action Program, which sets specific emissions reduction targets for each property. Moreover, the company has developed tools for its hotels to effectively track and manage their energy and water usage.

Marriott's sustainability efforts are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing environmental and social responsibility. The company’s Serve 360 platform is pivotal in guiding these efforts, aiming to positively impact the communities where it operates.

Through setting robust emissions reduction targets and advancing a holistic sustainability strategy, Marriott International underscores its leadership role in the hospitality industry, showing a steadfast commitment to fostering a sustainable future for travel.