Marriott Wins Big Rewards Going Hi-Tech with Low Energy

Computerworld Magazine Names Marriott as one of the 'Top 12 Green IT Companies'

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. April 23, 2009

APRIL 23, 2009 - Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) has ranked number eleven on Computerworld magazine's "Top 12 Green IT Companies" list and is only one of two companies to make the list again this year. Computerworld recognized Marriott for its innovative efforts to make its hi-tech operations even more energy efficient and less wasteful.

Highlights of Marriott's IT environmental achievements include the development of a new underground data center that takes advantage of the naturally cool environment to reduce power consumption while enhancing business continuity. Also of note are the company's extensive use of server virtualization, desktop power management and recycling of IT assets. To date, more than 28,761 IT assets have been recycled, which equates to 629,408 lbs of eWaste not going into landfills.

"Marriott's IT operations support more than 146,000 associates around the world, in addition to the millions of guests that stay with us annually," said Carl Wilson, executive vice president and chief information officer, Marriott International. "Receiving this award, again, demonstrates our continued commitment to the environment, our associates and our guests."

Last year, Marriott announced its environmental strategy to address climate change, which it calls its "Spirit To Preserve." The plan calls for: Greening its $10 billion supply chain, further reducing fuel and water consumption by 25 percent per available room, and installing solar power at up to 40 hotels by 2017, creating green construction standards for hotel developers to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, educating and inspiring employees and guests to support the environment, and helping protect the rainforest.

Marriott has been recognized for its environmental leadership in the hotel industry by several groups, including Ceres, an alliance of investors and environmentalists, the non-profit organization ClimateCounts.org, and Travel + Leisure magazine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency just gave Marriott its Sustained Excellence Award for the third straight year, and has awarded its ENERGY STAR label to 275 Marriott hotels, the most of any hotel company.