B. F. Saul Co. Wins Marriott 'Spirit to Preserve' Award
Environmental Initiatives
BETHESDA, MD, May 20, 2009 - The B. F. Saul Company - Hotel Division was honored with Marriott International's inaugural "Spirit to Preserve" Award in Orlando, FL, on May 4, 2009, at Marriott's conference for owners and franchisees of select-service and extended-stay hotels. The award represents a significant achievement for the B. F. Saul Company, which owns and operates seven Marriott hotels. The award was presented by Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Operating Officer and J. W. Marriott, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International, Inc. Mark Carrier, Senior Vice President of the B. F. Saul Company, accepted the award.
Marriott International leads the hospitality industry in the area of social responsibility and sustainability. The company's "Spirit to Preserve" strategy includes building greener hotels; setting long-term goals for energy and water conservation; greening its supply chain; addressing climate change through rainforest preservation and engaging associates and guests.
Marriott selected the B.F. Saul Company for the award for its environmental commitment, practices and accomplishments. The B.F. Saul Company's commitment to the environment began with top management, and through comprehensive training, has engaged the entire organization. The company has run conservation audits at every hotel, and completed significant operational and capital improvements to enhance performance. Eleven of the company's hotels in Northern Virginia have received Green certification, and three hotels in Florida are in the process of receiving the state's One Palm green certification.
Carrier states, "Our company truly believes it is our social responsibility to preserve our environment," adding, "each of our team members embraces our sustainability plan, called 'Our Big Green,' which emphasizes three core principles: Conserve, Recycle and Act Now." Carrier adds, "We have a lot of fun with the program and our team members are energized." The company even created a mascot, appropriately named "OBG," whose entertaining and passionate approach helps to motivate team members and associates. OBG also helps promote the organization's green practices in their communities through appearances at local schools, public and civic events. The company's Big Green pledge follows:
Our Big Green Pledge:
We are committed to the preservation and improvement of the environment for the benefit of our guests, fellow team members and home communities. We will:
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Conserve Our Resources!
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Reduce Waste and Recycle!
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Act Now! Learn and Lead!
Each team member is responsible to practice Our Big Green every day.




Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at