Marriott International has launched an online carbon offset programme for hotel guests that will contribute to a rainforest preservation fund in Brazil.
For US $10, or $1 per day for 10 days, environmentally-conscious guests can offset the carbon generated by their stay.
Marriott International chief financial officer Arne Sorenson, who also chairs Marriott’s executive green council, said conserving rainforests was one of the most important things that could be done to improve the climate.
“According to Conservation International and other environmental experts, the destruction of tropical forests contributes 20% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and fuels climate change,” said Sorenson.
Marriott has partnered with the Amazonas Sustainable Foundation to protect 1.4 million acres of rainforest in the Juma Sustainable Development Reserve in Brazil.
An independent environmental auditing firm, TUV SUD, validated the project and awarded it gold status under its climate, community and biodiversity standards.
The fund also supports 2500 residents of Juma by providing them with much-needed facilities.
Marriott International’s annual carbon footprint has been certified by ICF International at three million metric tonnes of CO2, or 69.5 pounds per available room.
