Sydney Harbour Marriott has been recognised as the Hotel with the Best Environmental & Sustainability Practices at the Accommodation Australia NSW Awards for Excellence 2026, setting a benchmark for sustainable hospitality in New South Wales.
The Accommodation Australia NSW Awards for Excellence celebrate the outstanding achievements of hotels, teams and individuals across the state’s accommodation sector. This year’s awards attracted a record number of nominations, recognising excellence in innovation, service, people, and operational performance.
The recognition acknowledges Sydney Harbour Marriott’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while delivering exceptional guest experiences through innovative sustainability initiatives, responsible business practices, and community partnerships. The hotel’s sustainability achievements are guided by Marriott International’s Serve 360 platform and are embedded throughout all areas of its operations.
Among its recent achievements, Sydney Harbour Marriott became the first hotel within Marriott International to achieve Ecotourism Sustainability Certification, awarded by Ecotourism Australia. The hotel was also recognised by the City of Sydney for its leadership in water conservation and environmental stewardship.
Key sustainability initiatives include:
- Achieving the highest Sustainability Scorecard results among Marriott Hotels across the APEC region in 2025.
- Major energy-efficiency projects, including LED lighting upgrades, chiller recommissioning, and air handling unit improvements designed to significantly reduce energy consumption.
- Upgrades to the hotel’s cooling towers improved efficiency and reduced water consumption by 63%, saving 6,716 kL annually.
- Comprehensive recycling, waste diversion, and staff education programs.
- Sydney Harbour Marriott partners with purpose-led organisations including The Hidden Sea, Sydney By Kayak, and Citizen Blue to support ocean conservation, improve recycling and resource recovery, reduce waste, and engage guests and associates in meaningful sustainability initiatives.
- Becoming the first Marriott hotel in Australia to be featured in the Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™ program, offering guests purposeful and environmentally focused experiences.
“This award is a proud milestone for our hotel and a reflection of the passion and commitment of our entire team,” said Bernhard Langer, General Manager, Sydney Harbour Marriott.
“Sustainability is not a standalone initiative for us, it is integrated into how we operate every day. From reducing energy and water consumption to creating meaningful partnerships and experiences for our guests, we are committed to making a positive impact on our community and environment.”
The hotel’s Sustainability Committee, comprising associates from Engineering, Food & Beverage, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, and Purchasing, continues to drive new initiatives aimed at supporting Marriott International’s environmental goals while inspiring guests, associates, and industry peers to adopt more sustainable practices.
This latest accolade reinforces Sydney Harbour Marriott’s position as one of Australia’s leading sustainable hotels, demonstrating that premium hospitality and environmental responsibility can successfully go hand in hand.
