Sheraton Tianjin Hotel announces it will participate in Earth Hour, a global environmental awareness event organized by the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF), on 28 March , 2009, to send a powerful global message about environmental awareness and caring for the planet, according to the hotel. Sheraton Tianjin Hotel will observe Earth Hour by turning off its lights and taking other energy-saving measures for one full hour further underscoring Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to environmental sustainability.
Earth Hour is drawing strong support from Starwood hotels around the globe.
In support of Earth Hour, Sheraton Tianjin Hotel is also offering a candle light dinner in all their restaurants.
“The Sheraton Tianjin Hotel was one of the first hotels to join this initiative. Our staff, guests and business partners alike are fully committed to the participation and setting an example for others. It might only be for one hour but this hour might change our mind set and be the booster for additional initiatives. All together we can make the difference and future generations will thank us for this!” said Richard Deutl, General Manager of the Sheraton Tianjin Hotel.
Sheraton Tianjin Hotel will take several measures such as turning off exterior signage lighting; dimming or turning off non-essential interior lighting; using candlelight in appropriate public areas such as restaurants and bars; and informing guests about the hotel’s observation of Earth Hour through in-room guest letters.
Additionally, hundreds of Starwood hotels around the world are coordinating supplementary awareness events such as walk-a-thons in their local communities, public candlelight unplugged concerts and receptions for guests featuring signature green cocktails.
Starwood made history in 2006 when it launched Element Hotels, Starwood’s green trailblazer and the first major hotel brand to mandate that all U.S. properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification. Across its entire portfolio, Starwood is rolling out initiatives that aim to conserve energy and water, reduce waste and enhance indoor environmental quality for Starwood guests and associates alike.
About Earth Hour
Earth Hour began as an awareness effort in Sydney, Australia in 2007 when more than two million homes, businesses, and the city’s largest landmarks shut off their lights for one hour, resulting in a significant energy reduction across the city. Quickly evolving into a global phenomenon, Earth Hour drew an estimated 50 million people in 35 countries and 370 cities in 2008, and this year one billion homes, businesses and countries are expected to take part.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 940 properties in approximately 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts.
