Sailing to Sustainability: Marriott International Moves Beyond Merits With Their Net-Zero Drive

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) has made a significant stride in its sustainability journey by aligning its near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). SBTi, renowned for its data-driven methodologies, assists businesses in setting credible greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets. As the largest global hospitality company, Marriott has obtained approval for its near-term and long-term science-based targets, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.

Marriott has committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% by 2030, using 2019 as the base year. The company also plans to cut absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from activities like fuel and energy, waste generation, employee commuting, and franchises by 27.5% by 2030. Additionally, Marriott aims for 22% of its suppliers to set science-based targets by 2028.

By 2050, Marriott aims to achieve net-zero GHG emissions across its entire value chain. This includes a 90% reduction in absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 90% reduction in scope 3 emissions, all compared to 2019 levels. The target also covers land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.

“For nearly a century, Marriott has been committed to serving our world and being a force for good,” said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International. “Climate change impacts are being felt globally. As we connect people through travel, we are committed to improving the environment. The approval of our targets reflects the hard work of Marriott’s teams worldwide, which are dedicated to our climate action journey and sustainable hospitality.”

Erika Alexander, Chief Global Operations Officer of Marriott International, added, “Reducing GHG emissions in our operations and supply chain is both good business and good for the planet. Decarbonizing the global electrical grid is crucial for reducing emissions. We join other leading companies in addressing climate change and embedding sustainability in our operations.”

To reach its net-zero target, Marriott focuses on energy reduction, sourcing renewable energy, and purchasing low-carbon goods. With over 8,800 properties in 139 countries and territories, Marriott is making significant efforts in sustainability. Recent efforts include:

• Launching the Climate Action Program (CAP) to build climate fluency.
• Setting property-specific carbon and energy reduction targets.
• Enhancing the Marriott Environment Sustainability Hub (MESH) to track and reduce energy, water, and waste metrics.
• Introducing the Energy Optimization Program to help properties manage rising energy costs.

Marriott also engages with suppliers to reduce their emissions and shares hotel carbon footprint on Marriott.com.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Marriott’s Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction platform is not just a guide, but a firm commitment. It directs the company’s efforts to positively impact social, environmental, and economic issues, demonstrating Marriott’s strong alignment with global sustainability efforts.

Marriott International and IMARAT Hospitality have forged a strategic partnership, both committed to a greener future. As Marriott sets ambitious targets to reduce its environmental impact, IMARAT Hospitality is also dedicated to promoting sustainability within the hospitality industry in Pakistan. Together, they are a powerful force working towards an environmentally conscious hospitality sector, contributing to a greener and more sustainable world.