Airlines - The Air Transport Association (ATA), which includes all but three of the twelve airlines scored, has been urging the Obama Administration to oppose an emissions tax leading up to Copenhagen. The current recession has hit the tourism industry hard with the airline industry absorbing a large part of the economic pullback. The possibility of an emissions tax expanding overhead costs has prompted the ATA to oppose universal emissions regulations. As new scientific data continues to provide evidence of the threats of climate change the window for the airline industry to respond is shrinking.

With ten of the twelve scored airlines improving their scores (five of those improvements by more than 10 ten points) the industry as a whole made some big strides in 2009. American Airlines moved up from third to first this year by reducing their emissions intensity and committing to the EPA Climate Leaders Program. By measuring its companywide impact, establishing goals, and enhancing public information, US Airways made the second largest improvement of all 90 companies scoring 43 points and vaulting itself into second place in an otherwise low-scoring industry.

Hotels - Buildings account for 39% of the energy usage and 38% of carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. The US Energy Star Program estimates that on average, America’s 47,000 hotels spend $2,196 per available room each year on energy. That’s more than the average US household. Hotels can trim lighting, heating, air conditioning and water costs while at the same time slashing carbon emissions.

Hotels have significant room to improve and one leader to follow — Marriott Hotels. Marriott Hotels is the first and only company in this sector to be classified as “Striding” towards reducing its carbon footprint. With LEED certified buildings, improved supply chain management, and the expansion of efficiency pilot projects, Marriott has earned the outright lead in the hotel sector, more than doubling the next best score.