Courtyard San Diego Rancho Bernardo Launches the MindClick Global Rest Better™ Sustainability Program

SAN DIEGO and BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Courtyard by Marriott and MindClick Global, a leader in supply chain sustainability performance and sourcing solutions, today announced the launch of the Rest Better™ sustainability program, a MindClick initiative to educate travelers on the environmental impact of implementing green hotel purchasing practices.

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"As a Marriott International brand, Courtyard places a high precedent on sustainability," said Mari Snyder, vice president Social Responsibility & Community Engagement. "Partnering with MindClick Global to launch the Rest Better™ program at our renovated hotel in Rancho Bernardo goes hand-in-hand with Marriott's 'Spirit to Preserve' philosophy and demonstrates the ways we are taking better care of our guests and the environment through our purchasing choices."

Rest Better™ ^:  Understanding the Consumer Connection


Rest Better™ combines online and onsite marketing and social media messaging to inform guests of the health, community and environmental benefits of furniture and equipment used in the Courtyard Rancho Bernardo's recent renovation.

Powered by MindClick Global's Sustainability Index, the Rest Better^™ program also highlights the general sustainability initiatives being implemented across the hotel industry to meet the increasing consumer demand for sustainable business practices.

"A truly green hotel industry begins at the supply chain with the sourcing of products that deliver a better guest experience and make a positive contribution to both the environment and the community," said JoAnna Abrams, CEO of MindClick Global. "Through our supplier Sustainability Index and a deep understanding of consumer engagement with eco-friendly practices, MindClick Global can help guests of the Marriott and other future hotel brands enjoy the benefits to their wellbeing and the environment."

MindClick Global's Sustainability Index rates supply chain sustainability based on established global standards, including those published by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), National Standards Foundation International (NSF) and the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design (LEED) among others.

Courtyard San Diego Rancho Bernardo: Creating a Sustainable Guest Experience

The recently renovated Courtyard San Diego Rancho Bernardo in San Diego, California features suppliers carefully selected by the Courtyard by Marriott brand and verified through MindClick Global's Sustainability Index.

Early indicators show the initiatives and program are increasing guest satisfaction—results which could have a ripple effect of what it means for the hospitality industry's continued efforts to green their supply chain. 

"Consumers are increasingly health conscious and environmentally aware, and industry research proves they prefer to support companies, products and services that share those values," said Dave Lippert, vice president, Architecture & Construction Procurement for Marriott International. "In fact, according to a 2012 study of 5,000 Expedia consumers, 93 percent of travelers surveyed would choose a hotel based upon its use of sustainable design and furnishings over a comparable property emphasizing operational sustainability, such as energy savings and water reduction."

"We know today's guests expect healthier alternatives and demonstrated social and environmental responsibility," said Craig Amos, executive vice president of Capital Investments at Apple REIT Seven, the hotel's owner. "The MindClick Sustainability Index, supported by the Rest Better™ program, helps us to efficiently source sustainable products and communicate our accomplishments with our customers."   

Examples of products and furnishings highlighted in the Rest Better™ program include wall coverings, guest room carpet and conference room tables made from recycled materials, as well as furniture manufactured using sustainably harvested wood and toxin-free materials at production facilities within 100 miles of the hotel. 

Additional information about the products used in the Courtyard San Diego Rancho Bernardo renovation can be found on the Rest Better™ website: www.restbettertravel.com.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 72 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

About Apple REIT Seven, Inc.

Apple REIT Seven, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on the ownership of hotels that generate attractive returns for its shareholders. Apple REIT Seven's hotels operate under the Courtyard® by Marriott®, Fairfield Inn® by Marriott®, Fairfield Inn & Suites® by Marriott®, Residence Inn® by Marriott®, SpringHill Suites® by Marriott®, TownePlace Suites® by Marriott®, Marriott® Hotels & Resorts, Homewood Suites by Hilton®, Hilton Garden Inn® and Hampton Inn® brands. The Apple REIT Seven portfolio consists of 51 hotels, containing a total of 6,426 guestrooms in 18 states.

About MindClick Global
MindClick Global, the leader in supply chain sustainability performance measurement, provides Fortune 1000 clients with a trusted B2B marketplace for sustainable sourcing. MindClick's Sustainability Performance Index platform is used by brands to green their global supply chain and to source products to meet their environmental, social responsibility and business initiatives. Global suppliers use MindClick's platform to meet customer-reporting requirements, improve sustainability performance and to promote their environmentally sound products and services.  MindClick is headquartered in Bend, Oregon with offices in San Francisco and Seattle. Learn more at MindClickGlobal.com.

SOURCE Marriott International