Marriott Hotel Prague Becomes the First Marriott Property in the Czech Republic to Receive the Green Key Award
Marriott Hotel Prague has announced a major milestone in its sustainable development efforts by obtaining the internationally recognized Green Key award. This prestigious distinction confirms the hotel's compliance with strict environmental standards and demonstrates its proactive approach to environmental protection. With this achievement, Marriott Hotel Prague has become the first property within the Marriott network in the Czech Republic to earn this title.
The journey toward earning the award began in November 2023. The hotel needed to gather extensive information regarding Green Key’s requirements and prepare to meet the stringent criteria. In September 2024, the first application was submitted with complete documentation, though the process was far from over. The most challenging aspect was training staff and introducing new environmentally friendly cleaning products. Replacing 75% of the products used was particularly difficult, as some were unavailable on the Czech market, causing delays. Despite these challenges, the hotel successfully met all criteria through diligent effort and collaboration with its suppliers.
Environmental initiatives
During the preparations, the hotel implemented several key sustainability measures. A major initiative was the reduction of plastic waste. Guests now receive water in glass bottles instead of plastic ones, resulting in the annual elimination of over 100,000 plastic bottles. Another significant measure focused on water conservation—water-saving devices installed in 2024 led to a reduction of 1,373 m³ in water consumption compared to the previous year. Additionally, the hotel improved its waste segregation system across both operational and administrative areas, further enhancing recycling efforts.
Composting system surprises auditors
The hotel's composting system caught auditors by surprise during their inspection. In 2024, the professional composter processed more than 44,000 kilograms of organic waste, including coffee grounds, peelings, and food scraps. This effort resulted in over 4,000 kilograms of high-quality compost, which the hotel supplies to its partner farmers and growers. "It was fascinating to witness the auditors’ reaction to our composting solution," said Kateřina Hajná, Marketing Director at Marriott Hotel Prague. "It took our kitchen nearly six months to perfect the process and produce compost with the ideal properties—such as ensuring it smells like earth, not coffee."
The importance and future of sustainable recognition
This achievement is not only a testament to the hotel's commitment to sustainability but also a promise to continue improving its environmental practices. "More and more travelers are seeking accommodations that adhere to the principles of sustainable development," explains Kateřina Hajná. "For us, this accomplishment signifies both prestige and a challenge to continuously enhance our ecological initiatives. Regular audits will continue, and we already have a detailed plan for future improvements."