Marriott's Net-Zero Hotel Breaks Ground, But Green Tax Breaks Are Going Away

With federal clean energy incentives on the chopping block, hotels operating in the U.S. may need to rethink how realistic their net-zero goals really are.

Marriott has broken ground on the first fully electric, net-zero emissions hotel under its brand, a 115-room property in Winooski, Vermont.

The Sugar House Hotel is scheduled to open in 2026 and will rely entirely on electricity, drawing from rooftop solar panels and local renewable energy sources.

“There are no fossil fuels in the building at all,” said Doug Nedde, of Nedde Real Estate, the owner of the hotel and its main investor. “This hotel will rely entirely on electric energy and incorporate the most advanced geothermal systems we’ve ever used.”

Marriot has a goal to cut its emissions to nearly zero by 2050.

Amenities will include a rooftop bar, event space, and a general store featuring Vermont made products, with rooms themed around traditional sugar houses from the area.

Nedde said the focus isn’t just about the environment – he also wan