Marriott International Takes Leadership Role in Sustainable Purchasing

MindClick Hospitality Sustainability Performance Index to Guide 75 Percent of Marriott’s 2013FF&E Spend

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MindClick SGM today announced that Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) will spend 75 percent of its 2013 furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) budget with suppliers who are part of the MindClick Hospitality Sustainability Performance Index (HSP Index). The HSP Index measures suppliers’ corporate social responsibility, environmental operations, and product sustainability efforts.

“Ultimately, improving our environmental impact extends beyond our hotels and into our global supply chain.”

Marriott is incorporating MindClick’s supplier scorecard as an integral solution in greening its global supply chain, following a year as a member of the Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Consortium. Led by MindClick, a leading sustainability consulting firm with over 20 years of performance measurement expertise, Consortium members worked together to establish a supplier sustainability rating system for the hotel industry.

“Utilizing the MindClick Index to make sustainable FF&E purchasing decisions will help us choose suppliers who will improve our hotels’ sustainability, reduce costs and enhance the guest experience,” said Dave Lippert, Marriott vice president A&C procurement. “Ultimately, improving our environmental impact extends beyond our hotels and into our global supply chain.”

Recent studies conducted by MindClick SGM reveal corporate travel executives, on-line travel agents, meeting planners and consumers alike are looking at hotel’s environmental commitment when making travel and booking decisions.

• In a study of Fortune 1,000 corporate travel executives, 75 percent of those spending $50 million in annual travel have “green business” travel programs. As a result, RFPs now include questions specific to sustainability initiatives, including efforts in hotel construction, operations and purchasing.
• A study of 5,000 U.S. Expedia consumers conducted in January 2012 shows two out of three consumers believe hotels need to be more mindful of their impact on our communities and the planet. Of these 5,000 participants, 90 percent were able to identify at least one FF&E item they believe allows hoteliers to provide rooms which are healthier and better for the planet.

“The Index provides brands, designers, purchasers and owners with the knowledge and tools to design and furnish hotels more sustainably,” said JoAnna Abrams, CEO of MindClick SGM. “MindClick’s HSP Index benefits suppliers by validating their investments in sustainability, eliminating greenwashing and providing a roadmap to engage in efforts that matter most to the industry.”

About the MindClick Hospitality Sustainability Performance Index (HSP Index)

MindClick's HSP Index rates supplier performance based on leading, globally accepted sustainability standards and practices adapted for the hotel industry. The HSP Index provides purchasing decision makers with the tools to compare the sustainability performance of suppliers and their products. Developed with input from Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Consortium members, the HSP Index aligns the efforts of suppliers with the needs of hoteliers to sustainably furnish and supply hotels while meeting existing design, quality, service and cost needs. MindClick's HSP Index measures supplier performance in corporate social responsibility, environmental operations and product sustainability. For more information, visit http://www.hspindex.com.

About Marriott

Marriott International, Inc. is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with more than 3,500 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 17 brands, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. There are approximately 300,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties. Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

About MindClick SGM

MindClick SGM, a leading sustainability research and consulting firm, provides clients with performance measurement tools to develop, implement, improve and promote product and company sustainability. Serving clients ranging from global Fortune 1000 companies in consumer products, automotive and hospitality from family owned building products suppliers to government municipalities, MindClick drives growth through sustainability. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in San Francisco and Seattle, MindClick combines a decade of experience in sustainability with 20+ years of research, product development and marketing expertise. The result is sustainability performance rating services that provide executive decision makers with the knowledge to maximize business success. For more information, visit www.mindclicksgm.com.