Marriott International, Accor and InterContinental Hotels Group are among the hotel groups to join forces in a new initiative to reach consensus over the calculation of carbon footprints.

The International Tourism Partnership (ITP) and World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) are driving the venture, which aims to agree a single methodology for measuring carbon impact. Other companies participating in the Carbon Measurement Working Group include Premier Inn; Wyndham Worldwide; Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts; and Hilton Worldwide.

MGM Resorts International; Hyatt Hotels and Resorts; Red Carnation Hotel Collection; and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts are also taking part, along with Starwood Hotels and Resorts. A multi-phased approach will see the working group engage a number of stakeholders, with aim of the first phase to have the standards available for the 2012 RFP season.

WTTC president and chief executive officer David Scowsill said; "The hotel industry recognizes its responsibility to mitigate its environmental impact. Indeed many hotel chains globally have set carbon reduction targets. "Through this initiative the industry is furthering its commitments to corporate and individual consumers by helping them to understand their environmental footprint."

Image: The Courtyard Chevy Chase in Maryland, is LEED Gold certified - Marriott