March 2009
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (Starwood Hotels) has announced its participation in Earth Hour, a global environmental awareness event organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
On March 28, hundreds of Starwood hotels flying brand flags, including St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft, and Element, will turn off their lights and take other energy-saving measures for one full hour, underscoring the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
From Brussels and Atlantic City to Sydney and Santiago, Earth Hour is drawing strong support from Starwood hotels in all corners of the world. In more than 90,000 hotel rooms, guests staying in participating Starwood properties will be encouraged to turn off the lights.
“Given the size and scope of Starwood’s business operations, we have the opportunity to make a significant positive difference in the health of the environment,” said Frits van Paasschen, president and CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.
“Our participation in Earth Hour symbolizes our commitment to reduce the environmental impact of our business operations through the adoption of greener design, construction and operating practices.”
Starwood hotels will take several momentous measures, including turning off exterior signage lighting; dimming or turning off non-essential interior lighting; using candlelight in appropriate public areas such as restaurants and bars; and informing guests about the hotel’s observation of Earth Hour through in-room voicemail messages and guest room television messages.
Additionally, hundreds of Starwood hotels around the world are coordinating supplementary awareness events such as walk-a-thons in their local communities, public candlelight unplugged concerts, and guest receptions featuring signature green cocktails.
Starwood made history in 2006 when it launched Element Hotels, Starwood’s green trailblazer and the first major hotel brand to mandate that all U.S. properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification. Across its entire portfolio, Starwood is rolling out initiatives that aim to conserve energy and water, reduce waste and enhance indoor environmental quality for Starwood guests and associates alike.
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