On Saturday, October 5, 2024, Sheraton Kagoshima became the first international hotel in Japan to achieve Green Key certification. This certification represents excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations within the tourism industry and is based on the stringent criteria established by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). To obtain this certification, hotels must meet extensive requirements, including energy efficiency, water resource management, waste reduction, and adherence to social responsibility. Furthermore, periodic reassessments are required to maintain and improve these efforts. Currently, more than 6,000 establishments worldwide hold this certification, recognized as a symbol of environmental protection. Moving forward, we will continue to cherish our connection with the local community and our guests, promoting sustainable tourism while providing environmentally friendly services.
Establishment of the Sustainability Team
In December 2023, a Sustainability Committee was launched in Sheraton Kagoshima, initiating efforts across the hotel to achieve Green Key certification. Through a cross-departmental team structure, we have been promoting energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, and minimizing waste. To enhance employee awareness, we have conducted training on recycling and lectures on environmental issues.
Efforts Toward Local Production for Local Consumption and Food Waste Reduction
In Sheraton Kagoshima, we aim to promote local production for local consumption and contribute to regional economic development by collaborating with municipalities across the prefecture to showcase the appeal of locally sourced ingredients through "Food Fairs". By sourcing ingredients from local suppliers, we strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during transportation and rediscover the value of local produce.
Efforts Toward Environmental Consideration and Diversity
At Marriott International, we are committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In Sheraton Kagoshima, we are advancing energy management and efficiency through initiatives such as recording and analyzing energy usage, implementing LED and sensor-activated lighting, and optimizing air conditioning to reduce the use of chilled and hot water. Additionally, we have installed shared bicycles and actively promote the use of public transportation, offering guests eco-friendly options to reduce CO2 emissions. These efforts reflect our commitment to sustainable hotel operations.