The growing trend towards conscience lodging is undeniable. Recently Hotel News Resource reported that two thirds of consumers believe hotels need to be more mindful of their impact on communities and the planet while the Environmental Leader reports that RFPs now include questions specific to sustainability initiatives, as well as efforts in hotel construction, operations and purchasing. In response to statistics such as these, hotel chains like the Marriott International are making big steps to increase their appeal to ethical lodgers and get one step ahead of the competition.
Marriott pledges to invest in sustainable FF&E
In an effort to increase its sustainable efforts, the Marriott International hotel chain has pledged to spend 75% of its 2013 furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) budget only on suppliers who are also members of the MindClick Hospitality Sustainability Performance Index (HSP Index). The hotel chain is already a role model of sustainability within the industry, with a number of hotels including the Courtyard Toronto Downtown, Courtyard Marriott Downtown Ottawa, and the Courtyard Quebec City having earned 4 Green Keys from the Green Key Eco-Rating Program.
According to the Marriott International website, they have also partnered with organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council, ENERGY STAR, The Amazonas Sustainable Foundation, and Conservation International in order to help lessen the size of their carbon footprint. You can find out more about Marriott International’s commitment to reduce the consumption of water, waste and energy within their hotels here.
Discussing the need to extend “green” practices into the supply chain, Dave Lippers, Vice-President of Architecture and Construction Procurement at Marriott International is quoted as saying: “We recognize the importance of our role in reducing the environmental footprint of our hotels which extends beyond hotel operations to our supply chain. In our 3,700-plus properties around the globe, our vendors have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to reducing the carbon footprint, energy consumption, waste and water usage in our hotels. Suppliers’ innovations in materials also help to contribute to healthier guestrooms.”
About the MindClick Program and the HSP Index
According to HSPI Consortium website, the MindClick program provides businesses and governments with sustainability scorecards that measure and report the performance of their suppliers and products. MindClick gathers data from organizations through an auditing system that includes corporate strategies, policies, operations and individual projects or service lines.
According to the HSPI website, variables taken into consideration for ranking include: social responsibility, the environmental measures of carbon footprint, energy, water and waste practices, and product performance following a life cycle based framework from the raw material stage through end of life. Participants in MindClick’s HSP Index are suppliers of products in 18 categories among which are carpeting, fabrics, casegoods, wall coverings, light bulbs, bath fixtures and more.
JoAnna Abrams, CEO of MindClick SGM is reported by Hotel News Resource as suggesting that: “The Index provides brands, designers, purchasers and owners with the knowledge and tools to design and furnish hotels more sustainably. HSP Index benefits suppliers by validating their investments in sustainability, eliminating greenwashing and providing a roadmap to engage in efforts that matter most to the industry.”
Are you a hotel operator looking to become more energy-efficient? Check out these great rebates or try our FREE energy-audit to see where you can save on energy costs!
Questions or comments about Marriott International and the MindClick Program? Leave them below!
image credit: t2omedia
