U.S. State Department, World Environment Center, Marriott International, and Marriott Suppliers Achieve Significant Environmental and Economic Savings in Costa Rica Project

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) Washington, DC - September 21, 2011 - The World Environment Center (WEC) today announced the successful completion of a U.S. Department of State funded project entitled Cleaner Production Private Sector Partnerships.  WEC collaborated with six Marriott suppliers in Costa Rica to improve environmental performance and energy efficiency while driving cost reduction through the adoption of Cleaner Production and Energy Efficiency practices and technologies.

This two-year project, part of the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR)'s Private Sector Environmental Performance Program, was established to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Costa Rica in becoming more effective environmental stewards and more competitive businesses. As a result of implementing WEC’s Greening the Supply Chain initiative, participating SMEs collectively saved 1.5 million gallons of drinking water, 5,801 kWh of electricity, 1,461 liters of fuel, and 525 tons of solid waste (now being used to produce new sub-products). Over the duration of the project, the six suppliers invested nearly US$200,000 in more energy-efficient equipment and 1) realized more than US$75,000 in immediate operational cost savings, and, 2) have forecasted an accumulated annual savings of nearly US$300,000 from implementing the action plans.

 In addition, the suppliers hired new employees for environmental management positions and created work teams to help drive Cleaner Production programs within the participating companies.

 “This program achieved important results for Marriott´s participating suppliers, and provides opportunity for further replication in Costa Rica and beyond,” said Ernesto Samayoa, Director of Operations for WEC Latin America. “This implementation should serve as an example for suppliers and SMEs that want to become more environmentally sustainable and more competitive enterprises.”

 “This project is part of Marriott’s goal to realize greater sustainability within our supply chain. Our suppliers, the World Environment Center and our hotels collaborated to produce great environmental and financial results that benefit all,” said Mari L. Snyder, vice president, corporate social responsibility, Marriott International, Inc.