WWF, the global conservation organization, announced a partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (Fairmont) to combat climate change. At the heart of this new partnership, WWF and Fairmont will work closely over the coming months to measure the hotel group’s current CO2 footprint according to UN protocol, set a world-class CO2 reduction target by June 2008, thereby becoming a member of WWF’s global Climate Savers program, and develop a Fairmont-wide emission reduction plan.

In addition, WWF and Fairmont will raise awareness about the need to lower absolute CO2 emissions among policy makers, consumers, and employees to stimulate market transformation. Fairmont expects to reduce its emissions through improved energy efficiency, increased conversion to renewable energy supply, promoting conservation practices among its colleagues, and will continue to share best practices with other companies committed to environmental protection.

“Travel is one of the key drivers of the world’s economic engine. But with international trips expected to top 1.5 billion by 2020, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions released into our atmosphere are growing unacceptably,” said Mike Russill, President and CEO of WWF-Canada. “As a global player in the hotel and tourism sector, I applaud Fairmont’s leadership in tackling the single largest environmental issue facing the planet – global warming. WWF will work alongside Fairmont to set an ambitious absolute emission reduction target, develop specific plans to lower its CO2 footprint and challenge others in the sector to follow suit.”

“As a pioneering voice on responsible tourism in the hotel industry, Fairmont has always embraced its role as an environmental ambassador and has encouraged others to follow its lead,” said Chris Cahill, Fairmont’s President & C.O.O. “In the evolution of our environmental programming, Fairmont continues to seek out new ways in which to make a discernable impact and are pleased to be the first global hotel brand to partner with WWF to tackle climate change. WWF shares our passion, accountability and commitment to the environment, and to achieving significant CO2 reductions at our operations worldwide.”