World hotel chains join to deliver standards on carbon footprints

via eoearth.org

If you’ve ever stayed in a hotel, then you’re probably familiar with this placard: “Hotels around the world use millions of gallons of water and detergent a day. We are happy to replace any towels that have been left on the floor and will leave those that are hung for reuse.”

Some of the world’s largest hotel chains have decided to take that notion one step further. Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotel Group, Marriott International, MGM Resorts International, and Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, among others have come together to form a new Carbon Measurement Working Group.

The Group plans to implement agreed standards on how to calculate and report carbon emissions publically, which will allow customers to compare hotels’ environmental impact before deciding to book a stay. The International Tourism Partnership (ITP) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) have signed on to provide their help and support the process.

In a statement, WTTC president and chief executive David Scowsill said, “Through this initiative the industry is furthering its commitments to corporate and individual consumers by helping them understand their environmental footprints.”

The Group hopes to complete the first stage of the project, essentially agreeing on standards, by next year.

This is a great move by these companies. Now, customers have to opportunity to think about their hotel stays in terms of environmental impact, proving to any non-believers that luxury can be green.

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