Marriott sees green with TXU Energy

Hotel giant Marriott International Inc. plans to make more than 40 of its properties across Texas more energy efficient thanks to a partnership with Dallas-based TXU Energy, the company announced Nov. 16.

TXU recently conducted energy audits for the lodging chain, which approved a series of recommendations that the energy company says would reduce electricity consumption by more than 2 million kilowatt-hours per year and save $250,000 a year in energy expenses.

The audits were part of Marriott extending its electric service agreement with TXU Energy through 2013.

“Our goal was to do things that make sense from an environmental and financial perspective,” said Rob Bahl, regional vice president of engineering for Marriott, in a statement. “TXU Energy helped identify the green steps we can take to achieve that goal.”

Recommendations in the audit include upgrading control systems and switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Once energy efficiency measures are implemented, Marriott will receive rebates under TXU Energy’s Energy Efficient Rebate Program, the energy company said. TXU Energy is the only retail electricity provider in the state to offer this type of rebate program to businesses looking to help the environment.

“The rebate is an additional incentive to use energy more efficiently,” said TXU Energy’s COO Tom Leverton. “It’s a win for the business and for the environment, too.”