Task Weight Due Week Due Date
Individual Report

40%
WEEK 12

Sunday, 15 Feburary 2026 before 11:55pm

Task Description - The Hospitality Industry Must Embrace the Circular Economy
For decades, there has been much talk about taking a more ecologically sound approach to business in many different industries, and in recent years the focus has fallen on the value of the circular economy, throwing the linear approach of a market or planned economy into question. These linear economies are defined by three questions centred around, what to produce; how to produce it, and whom to produce it for. This “take-make-dispose” approach to resources inevitably results in the production of waste and pollution. A circular economy, on the other hand, is based on the “make-use-recycle” premise, which results in less waste and pollution, and is key to a more sustainable future.

Rapid growth and investment in the hospitality industry, and an ever-growing pre-COVID traveling population meant that, along with demand for more products and services, came an increase in waste and pollution. For this to change, the hotel industry needs to move away from the linear economic approach to business. By implementing circular economic practices that use resources more efficiently, the sustainability of the industry will be greatly improved.
The students are required to identify an organization from hospitality and tourism industry that has embraced circular economy and report on at least three initiatives taken by the chosen organization. The initiatives can include (but are not limited to) repurposing waste, incorporating renewable energy, reusing water, producing harvests etc.

Task Length
The presentation should be 2000-2500 Words, exclusive of executive summary, table of contents, references and appendices.

Task Approach and Requirements

Warning and advice:
There are many sources of information available on the internet. You need to avoid plagiarising other people’s materials – do not exceed the cut-off limit of a 20% similar score. If you do not understand the requirements of the assessment task, please ask the lecturer for clarification. If you need help with paraphrasing, please seek help at student services. If you have issues with time management, the best approach is to have a notebook and list down the due dates of all Assessment tasks and start working on the tasks from the first day by adding snippets of content into the outline of your report.

Report Requirements

The following approach must be adopted to address the assessment task:

1. Introduction: (estimate 2 – 3 hours)
   a. Introduction to a circular economy in comparison to the linear economy
   b. Introduction of the chosen organisation
2. Identifying and explaining at least three initiatives taken by the organization that aligns with the principles of the circular economy. (Estimate 4 - 5 hours)
3. Describe the link of the chosen initiatives to the circular economy. (Estimate 2 - 3 hours).
4. Evidence of Appropriate Research: Outside sources are incorporated logically, insightfully, and elegantly. APA referencing used throughout is consistent and accurate and demonstrated the ability to reference a range of both primary and secondary sources both in-text and using a reference list of at least 3 academic literature that is relevant.

Assessment Criteria

1. Excellent introduction of the organisation.
2. Excellent description of the differences between circular economy and linear economy
3. Excellent identification and explanation of the initiatives taken by the organisation
4. Excellent discussion on the linkages between the initiatives and circular economy.
5. Evidence of Appropriate Research: Outside sources are incorporated logically, insightfully, and elegantly. APA referencing used throughout is consistent and accurate and demonstrated the ability to reference a range of both primary and secondary sources both in-text and using a reference list of at least 5 academic literature that is relevant.

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Embracing Circular Economy in the Hospitality Industry: A Case Study of Marriott International

Executive Summary

This report explores the adoption of circular economy principles within the hospitality industry, focusing specifically on Marriott International, a global leader in hotel management. With the hospitality sector traditionally operating under a linear economy model—“take, make, dispose”—the need to transition to sustainable practices is critical due to increasing waste, pollution, and resource consumption. The report identifies three key initiatives undertaken by Marriott: waste repurposing, water reuse, and energy efficiency through renewable sources. Each initiative is analyzed in relation to circular economy principles, supported by academic research and industry reports. The findings highlight the effectiveness of circular strategies in reducing environmental impact while promoting economic efficiency and corporate social responsibility.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
   1.1 Linear vs Circular Economy
   1.2 Introduction to Marriott International
2. Circular Economy Initiatives by Marriott
   2.1 Waste Repurposing and Food Waste Management
   2.2 Water Reuse and Conservation Programs
   2.3 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Adoption
3. Linking Initiatives to Circular Economy Principles
4. Conclusion
5. References

1. Introduction

1.1 Linear vs Circular Economy

The linear economy follows a “take-make-dispose” approach where natural resources are extracted, transformed into products, used, and then discarded as waste. This model is resource-intensive and contributes heavily to environmental pollution, including carbon emissions, water contamination, and landfill accumulation. In contrast, a circular economy operates on a “make-use-recycle” model, emphasizing resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainability. It promotes product lifecycle extension, reuse of materials, recycling, and energy efficiency, thus reducing environmental impact while creating economic and social value (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2020).

1.2 Introduction to Marriott International

Marriott International is a multinational hospitality company with over 7,000 properties worldwide. Known for its commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability, Marriott has integrated circular economy practices into its operations to address environmental challenges associated with the hospitality industry. The company focuses on reducing waste, conserving energy and water, and promoting sustainable sourcing, aligning with global sustainability standards and stakeholder expectations.

2. Circular Economy Initiatives by Marriott

2.1 Waste Repurposing and Food Waste Management

Marriott has implemented a comprehensive food waste management program aimed at reducing landfill contributions and promoting resource reuse. Key strategies include:

• Donation Programs: Unused edible food is donated to local food banks and charities. For example, Marriott properties in the US partner with Feeding America to redistribute surplus food.
• Composting: Inedible food waste is converted into compost, which is then used for landscaping and local farming projects.
• Recycling Packaging Materials: Plastic, cardboard, and glass are separated and sent to recycling facilities, minimizing resource extraction.

These initiatives reduce waste, lower operational costs, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. According to a report by WRAP (2021), hotels implementing food waste repurposing can reduce waste by up to 50%, demonstrating the economic and ecological benefits of circular practices.

2.2 Water Reuse and Conservation Programs

Water scarcity is a critical issue globally, and the hospitality sector is a major consumer of water. Marriott addresses this through:

• Greywater Recycling: Water from sinks, showers, and laundry is treated and reused for irrigation and cleaning.
• Low-Flow Fixtures: Installation of water-efficient faucets, showerheads, and toilets reduces consumption without compromising guest experience.
• Awareness Programs: Guests are encouraged to reuse towels and linens, reducing laundry cycles and overall water usage.

Through these initiatives, Marriott reduces water waste, conserves natural resources, and lowers utility costs. The adoption of greywater systems reflects circular principles by treating water as a reusable resource rather than a disposable one.

2.3 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Adoption

Marriott actively invests in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies to reduce carbon footprint:

• Solar and Wind Energy: Certain properties utilize solar panels to generate electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• LED Lighting and Smart Controls: Energy-efficient lighting and automated energy management systems optimize electricity usage.
• Sustainable Building Design: New hotels are constructed with green building standards, incorporating insulation, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and natural lighting.

These initiatives illustrate the circular economy approach by reducing resource extraction and emissions while generating long-term cost savings. According to Marriott’s 2022 Sustainability Report, these efforts have reduced energy consumption by 15% per occupied room over five years.

3. Linking Initiatives to Circular Economy Principles

Each of Marriott’s initiatives aligns with circular economy principles:

1. Waste Repurposing: Converts potential waste into valuable resources (compost, donations) → closes the loop of material use.
2. Water Reuse: Treats water as a renewable resource instead of a disposable one → enhances resource efficiency.
3. Energy Efficiency: Reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources → minimizes environmental impact and promotes sustainability.

These initiatives demonstrate that hospitality operations can be economically viable while minimizing ecological harm. By embedding circular practices into daily operations, Marriott exemplifies a shift from a linear model to a sustainable, regenerative business approach.

4. Conclusion

The hospitality industry’s historical linear approach has contributed significantly to environmental degradation. However, companies like Marriott International show that adopting circular economy practices can mitigate these impacts while offering economic and social benefits. The initiatives discussed—waste repurposing, water reuse, and energy efficiency—highlight practical strategies for sustainable operations. The transition from a linear to a circular economy is not only an environmental imperative but also a strategic business opportunity that enhances brand reputation, customer loyalty, and operational resilience.