Hospitality integrates sustainability in bid for environmental protection

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong marked Earth Hour 2025 on March 22 with a series of sustainability-driven activities encouraging public awareness about climate change. The hotel joined millions worldwide in switching off nonessential lights at 8:30 pm local time, reinforcing the power of collective action for a sustainable future.

This year, in support of the global Give an Hour for Earth campaign, the hotel introduced initiatives such as a Green Cycling Energy Relay, a candlelight Healing Concert, and a commitment to reducing energy consumption. By dimming or turning off nonessential lighting for an hour, the hotel aligns its values with the broader goal of achieving "zero carbon and improved nature by 2030".

Taking advantage of its prime location along the riverside, the bicycle-friendly hotel integrated cycling into its sustainability efforts. Guests and cycling enthusiasts participated in an energy relay that generated power for the evening's Healing Concert. As the lights dimmed at 8:30 pm, the JW Garden — an iconic feature of the JW Marriott brand — hosted the concert, symbolizing a collective commitment to environmental responsibility.

Alfred Gao, general manager of the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong, emphasized the hotel's dedication to sustainability: "We are proud to participate in Earth Hour 2025. This event demonstrates our strong commitment to environmental protection and it created an interactive space for staff and guests to learn more about the hotel's sustainable operations."

"Celebrating Earth Hour aligns with Marriott International's sustainability and social impact platform Serve 360 and the climate action program. It reflects a philosophy we aim to practice year-round that we must do our part to 'do good in every direction'. It is also an excellent opportunity to spread the word and educate associates and guests about Serve 360 and its next-generation goals which will guide our efforts through 2026," Gao said.