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The Carbon Disclosure Project's "CDP Electric Utilities Report 2009" found that, although the electric utilities industry accounts for 25% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, only 16% of electric utilities are currently setting and disclosing GHG emission reduction targets.

 

Each year, SRI in the Rockies closely examines the sustainability initiatives of its prospective venues.

JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio, Texas

• Windtricity: 70% of the power needs of the Resort are powered by Windtricity - a "clean and green" power source. JW Marriott San Antonio is the largest single user of Windtricity in the CPS market, San Antonio's power company.
• Recycled Steel Studs: Our interior walls are supported by recycled steel studs versus the traditional wood studs. For each ton of steel recycled, 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,000 pounds of coal, and 40 pounds of limestone are saved.
• Smart Air-Conditioners: The heating and cooling system features a "smart system". The system recognizes when doors to the balcony are open and automatically shuts down to conserve energy.
• Low-Flow Showerheads: Low-Flow Showerheads are installed in all guest baths. Low-Flow is commonly defined as having a water consumption rate of 0.5 to 2 gallons per minute (gpm).
• Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Energy Star qualified Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs are used throughout the resort. CFLBs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.
• Low-Flow Toilets: Low-Flow Toilets are used in all the bathrooms. Approximately 1.6 gallons per flush versus the 7 gallons of water of yesteryear.
• Closed Loop System: Our golf courses will feature a closed loop water system that will catch water run-off for use back onto the courses.
• Low VOC Paint and Glue: The Resort utilizes all low VOC (volatile organic compounds) products.
• Manager Uniforms: All manager uniform jackets are made from recycled material.
  

Marriott International

In 2010, the SRI in the Rockies venue is the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas. We are proud to support companies that share our dedication to sustainable practice. Here are some examples of Marriott International’s commitment to sustainability:

• In April, 2009 Marriott was named to Computerland magazine’s “Top 12 Green IT Companies” list for leasing underground space to accommodate its new data center. Temperature in the former limestone mine is naturally cool at 55 degrees Fahrenheit providing significant cost and energy savings.
• A centerpiece to its environmental strategy is the protection of 1.4 million acres (589,000 hectares) of endangered rainforest in the Juma Sustainable Development Reserve in partnership with the state of Amazonas in Brazil. Marriott has committed $2 million to this rainforest fund, and now is inviting guests to green their hotel stay by making contributions.
• Marriott is expanding its portfolio of “green” hotels and buildings, actively setting goals to reduce its water and energy consumption and greening the supply chain. Many of these initiatives can be found on their website.
• The company is replacing 24 million plastic key cards that it purchases annually in the United States with cards made of 50% recycled material. Marriott expects to keep 66 tons of plastic out of landfills. 5. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Marriott International the "2009 Sustained Excellence Award." Marriott has been named an EPA Partner of the Year since 200