Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) has launched a number of strategic energy saving initiatives in Europe to reduce carbon dioxide or C02 emissions versus annual targets by an additional 7 percent over the next three years.
In recent years, Marriott has implemented a number of leading edge initiatives at its European properties including smart metering, the installation of high quality data systems to benchmark and set hotel energy and water goals, renewable energy projects, retrofit of LED lighting in more than 70 properties, and the installation of combined heat and power (CHP) and voltage optimisation units in more than 30 properties. The new initiatives will build on these recent successes, helping to further reduce energy consumption across the company’s portfolio of properties in Europe and meet Marriott’s global aims.
In partnership with Siemens, Marriott is implementing an energy optimisation programme in Europe. Through the programme, which is launching in a first phase of 20 hotels, Marriott and Siemens will audit energy usage and optimise building management systems to monitor energy consumption. Additionally, hotel associates will be able to track energy use in real-time via Green Building Monitors, enabling them to actively contribute to energy saving and develop a greater awareness of their contribution to sustainability. Following a trial at the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Marriott Hotel, the programme is expected to cut C02 emissions by 10 to 15 per property and initiative.
A second initiative being trialled by Marriott is a cutting-edge programme by KiWi Power designed to make smart, temporary reductions in energy consumption during times of peak demand on the National Grid. The demand response solution will enable hotels to temporarily reduce their non-essential services, such as cooling and air handling, during times when the electricity grid is highly congested. Most importantly, this can be achieved without impacting guest comfort levels.
The programme, which is being trialled in 4 Marriott hotels in London, has the potential to generate new risk-free revenue streams, provide hotel managers with greater insight into energy usage and actively contribute to Marriott’s sustainability goals. Marriott is the first international hotel group to adopt KiWi Power’s demand response programme in the U.K.
The third initiative will expand Marriott’s combined heat and power and voltage optimisation programme in Europe to include an additional 20 properties. The estimated annual C02 reduction will be equivalent to taking 6,000 family cars off the road each year.
“These initiatives represent a strategic and determined effort to reduce our energy consumption across Europe,” said Reiner Sachau, Chief Operations Officer for Marriott International in Europe. “Many of these programmes are cutting edge and we are delighted to be championing them together with our industry-leading partners.”
To share European sustainability news with its associates, Marriott has launched an online news centre, EuropeSERVE.com. The site will keep hotel associates abreast of Marriott in Europe’s sustainability goals and community engagement initiatives, as well as provide a platform for sharing accomplishments and best practices.