Marriott International Sets Ambitious Climate Goals, Targets Net-Zero by 2050

Marriott International has officially set science-based emissions reduction targets with the SBTi, committing to significant GHG reductions by 2030 and aiming for net-zero by 2050 to combat climate change.

 

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) has reached a significant milestone in its sustainability journey by having its near-term and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets officially verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This makes Marriott the largest global hospitality company to secure approval for such comprehensive climate goals.

The company has outlined robust plans to dramatically reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By 2030, Marriott aims to cut its absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46.2% and its scope 3 emissions by 27.5% from a 2019 baseline. Additionally, Marriott has set a goal for 22% of its suppliers by emissions to have science-based targets by 2028, reflecting a holistic approach to sustainability that extends beyond direct operations.

Looking further ahead, Marriott has committed to achieving net-zero GHG emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. This includes ambitious plans to reduce both scope 1 and 2, as well as scope 3 GHG emissions by 90% from a 2019 base year. The company's net-zero strategy is inclusive of land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.

Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International, expressed his enthusiasm for these developments: “For nearly a century, Marriott has been committed to our core value of serving our world. The approval of our science-based targets is a testament to the hard work of Marriott teams globally and marks a significant milestone in our journey towards creating sustainable hospitality for the future.”

Erika Alexander, Chief Global Operations Officer, added, “The decarbonization of the global electrical grid is a vital component of reducing GHG emissions. We are committed to embedding sustainability throughout our operations and holding ourselves accountable as we elevate efforts to address the effects of climate change.”

Marriott’s strategy to achieve its net-zero target involves focusing on energy reduction, increasing the use of renewable energy, and sourcing goods with lower carbon footprints across its global portfolio of over 8,800 properties in 139 countries and territories.

Recent sustainability initiatives by Marriott include launching the Climate Action Program (CAP), delivering property-specific carbon and energy reduction targets, enhancing the Marriott Environment Sustainability Hub (MESH) for better tracking of resource usage, and introducing the Energy Optimization Program to help properties manage rising energy costs.

In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Marriott continues to drive its sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, which underscores the company’s commitment to making a positive and sustainable impact worldwide.

For more information about Marriott’s sustainability efforts and Serve 360, please visit Marriott.com/Serve360.