Adding yet another feather to its Green cap, Courtyard by Marriott, Pune Hinjewadi conducted a cohesive workshop on awareness of the very global and burning issue of Shrinking the Carbon Footprint. Courtyard by Marriott, Pune Hinjewadi partnered with The Carbon Footprint Cell for this workshop which was organized to build awareness for IT companies in Hinjewadi. The objective of this workshop was to develop a roadmap for reducing the carbon footprint and energy as well as resources related expenses through an interactive session. The workshop came alive with enthusiastic and encouraging participation from an eclectic audience that comprised of personnel from Tata Tech, KPIT, CDSA, 3cIT and Clean Cities Forum.

Priyadarshani Karve, project coordinator of Appropriate Rural Technology Institute (ARTI), scientist and professor presented the profound insights on energy efficient practices thus urging IT corporates to reduce their carbon footprints. The focal points of the workshop were introduction to Carbon Footprint, Contributors to IT industry's Carbon Footprint, IT specific issues, Industry specific issues, Electronic waste (e-waste), and a five point action plan for reducing Individual company's Carbon Footprint.

From consistent and relentless environment conservation efforts to participating in the Earth Hour, to successfully organizing a river bank cleaning drive at the Mula- Mutha, tree plantation drive at the hotel premises, Green Meetings concept amongst other Green Initiatives; Courtyard by Marriott, Pune Hinjewadi has always been actively involved to spread awareness about the environment issues. Keeping up its Green legacy, Ranju Alex; newly appointed General Manager of the hotel remarked, "Marriott International has always been a socially responsible organization that makes thorough conscious efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and continue with its endeavor to save the environment. The Marriott group of hotels globally follows the core values of 'Spirit to Serve' and the 'Spirit to Preserve' which not only involve employees but also extend to guests the opportunity to be a part of our environment conservation initiatives." Setting a benchmark in the hospitality industry M arriott International, in 2008 signed an agreement with the State of Amazonas in Brazil and the Amazonas Sustainable Foundation to protect 1.4 million acres of rainforest - the Juma Sustainable Development Reserve and has been awarded the highest level for Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB) standards for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Avoided Deforestation (pursuing Voluntary Carbon Standard {VCS} for future carbon offset qualification). The Marriott headquarters has been rewarded LEED Gold Status in Existing Building in April 2010 and has been prestigiously recognized globally for the Green initiatives.

In its discussion on the awareness of Carbon Footprint, Courtyard by Marriott, Pune Hinjewadi apprised the audiences of the green initiatives undertaken by the hotel which benefits the local community and environment as well as also highlighted Marriott International's best (GREEN) practices, globally. An elaborate presentation highlighted the emerald works of the hotel.

In its endeavor to spread the green awareness, Courtyard by Marriott, Pune Hinjewadi went a step ahead and prepared a Green menu to go with the theme of the workshop, the Green menu ensures that only fresh produce is used in small quantities at live counters, hence reducing the wastage. Through this workshop and other Green initiatives, Courtyard by Marriott, Pune Hinjewadi aims to educate the society and encourage the corporates and individuals to join hands together in the environment march.