Hospitality firm Marriott International has become the world’s largest company in the sector to have received certifications on its near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets.

Global hospitality firm Marriott International says its near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets have been certified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global climate action organisation that develops tools that allow businesses to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets in line with data-driven methodology.

In a press statement, Marriott says it is the largest global hospitality company to receive approval for both near-term and long-term science-based targets.

The company has committed to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 46.2 pc by 2030 from 2019 levels. Marriott has also committed to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from fuel and energy-related activities, waste generated in operations, employee commuting, and franchises by 27.5 pc by 2030 that 22 pc of its suppliers by emissions covering purchased goods and services, capital goods, and upstream transportation and distribution will have science-based targets by 2028.

Marriott says it commits to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050, reducing absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions 90 pc by 2050. The target boundary includes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.

“For nearly a century, Marriott has been committed to our core value of serving our world as we strive to be a force for good wherever we do business. The impact of climate change is being seen and felt across the globe. As we continue to connect people through the power of travel, we are committed to driving meaningful improvements to the environment and are energised by reaching this significant milestone. The approval of our near-term and long-term targets is the result of the hard work and dedication of Marriott’s teams around the world who are committed to our climate action journey and creating the future of sustainable hospitality,” says Anthony Capuano, President and CEO, Marriott International.

“Marriott has been on a journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our operations and supply chain. We believe it’s good business and good for the planet. The decarbonisation of the global electrical grid is a vital component of reducing GHG emissions. We are united with other leading companies in elevating efforts to help address the effects of climate change and hold ourselves accountable as we embed sustainability throughout our operations,” says Erika Alexander, Chief Global Operations Officer, Marriott International.

The company says that to reach its net-zero target, Marriott is focusing its efforts in three distinct areas namely energy reduction, sourcing more energy from renewables, and purchasing goods with lower carbon footprints across its portfolio of over 8,800 properties in 139 countries and territories.

Marriott’s sustainability strategy is focused on a wide range of tactics including designing resource-efficient hotels, implementing technologies to track and reduce energy and water consumption, as well as waste and food waste, increasing the use of renewable energy, managing water-related risks, focusing on third-party sustainability certifications at the hotel-level, supporting innovative ecosystem restoration initiatives, implementing and responsible and local sourcing.

In support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Marriott created its sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, which guides the company’s efforts to make a positive and sustainable impact on the world’s most pressing social, environmental, and economic issues wherever it does business.