Marriott To Provide Green Prototypes For Several Brands

Marriott International next year will introduce U.S. Green Building Council-certified prototypes for its midprice, select-service and extended stay brands, the company announced today.

In April, Marriott plans to make available a prototype for its midprice Courtyard brand that is certified under the USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards. The prototype cuts energy and water consumption by 25 percent and saves owners about $100,000 in design planning, according to Marriott.

"The green hotel prototype gives Marriott a competitive edge with guests who prefer a green hotel experience, and with the growing number of owners and franchisees who want to provide it," according to Marriott president and COO Arne Sorenson.

Courtyard currently has a pipeline of 160 hotels worldwide. The first based on the prototype will be the Courtyard Settler's Ridge in Pittsburgh, scheduled for a summer 2010 opening. Marriott also intends to introduce similar prototypes for its midprice Fairfield Inn, select-service SpringHill Suites and extended stay Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites brands, the company said.

LEED certification requirements include energy savings, improved indoor air quality, reduced carbon emissions, in-room recycling, in-room light sensors and easy access to public transportation.