Marriott International Ranks Seventh on The Sunday Times 'Best Green Companies' List

U.K. Hotels Certified by Carbon Trust Standard, Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary and Green Tourism

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May 27, 2010, 10:19 ET

BETHESDA, Md., May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The environmental achievements of Marriott-branded hotels in the United Kingdom, including three prestigious green certifications – Carbon Trust Standard, Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary and Green Tourism – have led The Sunday Times to rank Marriott International, Inc. seventh out of 60 on their "Best Green Companies" list and "Best for Employee Environmental Engagement" on their specialty list.

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Marriott-branded hotels in the United Kingdom have successfully reduced carbon emissions and greenhouse gases collectively by 7.3 percent to earn Carbon Trust Standard certification, a government program launched in 2008 in response to the U.K.'s Climate Change Act to benchmark and assess company commitment and success in addressing climate change impact. In addition, 25 hotels will achieve Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) certification, a program validated by Visit Britain and the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) which assesses energy and water efficiency, waste management and biodiversity, by year-end.

"Our hotels are making improvements that will help move the United Kingdom and Marriott closer to achieving its environmental goals," said Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe. "We are also creating an eco-friendly environment that will help educate and engage thousands of guests we connect with daily."

One of the improvements involves the greening of all Marriott golf courses. Last year, the company announced a goal to have all of its golf courses certified by the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary, a program that helps golf courses protect natural wildlife habitats, improve efficiency and minimize potentially harmful effects of golf course operations. Today, 10 courses, which are located in the U.K., have earned Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary-certification, bringing the number of Marriott golf courses earning the achievement to 48 worldwide. The ten golf courses are:

To achieve certification, golf courses must demonstrate effectiveness in water quality management, outreach and education, wildlife and habitat management, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation and environmental planning. For more information on the program, visit Audubon International. For more information on the certification programs, visit U.K. Carbon Trust Standard and Green Tourism Business Scheme.

Building on more than 20 years of energy conservation experience, Marriott is committed to protecting the environment. The company's Spirit To Preserve® environmental strategy calls for: Greening its $10 billion supply chain; further reducing fuel consumption by 25 percent per available room; creating green construction standards for hotel developers to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council; educating and inspiring employees and guests to support the environment; and helping protect the rainforest. For more information, visit www.marriott.com/environment. Also, join the conversation about traveling green by following MarriottGreen: www.twitter.com/marriottgreen.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.