Washington Marriott Celebrates Award with Green Tea Time

Post reposted from Sacha Cohen at http://goinggreendc.net/2010/08/11/washington-marriott-celebrates-award-with-green-tea-time/

Many hotels are trying to be more environmentally friendly, but The Washington Marriott at Metro Center has gone the extra mile. The hotel was recently honored for its efforts with the  Mayor’s 2010 Environmental Excellence Award for “Outstanding Achievement by a Hotel.”

The hotel is one of nine District businesses and non profit organizations recognized for their environmental stewardship, innovative best practices, pollution prevention, and resource conservation.

The hotel saved 745,685 kWh in electricity in 2009 from the previous  year with the implementation of energy efficient lighting with programmable and dimmable automation as well as utilization of the Energy Management System controlling the heating/cooling and lighting of its banquet space. It also will save an estimated 600,000 gallons of water a year by converting all restroom urinals to water-free. Other accomplishments include:

• Recycled wood flooring and linen-less dining tables in the Fire & Sage restaurant.
• Energy-efficient bulbs used for all lighting.
• Low-flow showerheads and toilets in guest bathrooms.
• A water/energy saving linen program that  includes both bedding and towels.
• Guestroom keys made from 50% recycled materials.

To celebrate the award, Washington Marriott at Metro Center will host a complimentary “Green Tea Time,” complete with iced green tea and Executive Chef Aaron Tootill’s freshly baked organic cookies and snacks, in its lobby every afternoon throughout the month of August.