Sustainability Spotlight: Marriott

We are always on the lookout for major brands that are setting the standard in green building practices. When it comes to hotels, Marriott is undeniably a leader in the field.

In 2005, Marriott became the first major hotel company in the U.S. to design and construct a LEED-certified hotel according to U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. It was the first major hotel chain to calculate its carbon footprint and launch a plan to improve energy efficiency, conserve water, and support projects that reduce deforestation.

And since 2011, the company has empowered its hotel development partners to build green hotels through the first LEED Volume Program (LVP), which provides a streamlined path to certification for the hospitality industry through a green hotel prototype. With 106 LEED-registered hotels and 31 LEED-certified hotels, Marriott knows green. And in light of the recent announcement that Marriott will acquire Starwood, it will be interesting to watch how the two hotel chains integrate their environmental programs, as both have very successful green initiatives.

Here is a list of their current LEED certified hotels. Read more about Marriott’s sustainability efforts.