New IHG hotel group aims to lead in sustainability efforts | kbnmart

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InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has launched its Low Carbon Leaders program, targeting hotels that adhere to stringent sustainability standards. The group announced the initiative on Wednesday, which targets hotels that operate without fossil fuels, except for emergency generators, use renewable energy sources, and hold valid sustainability certifications. The program serves as a pilot for green innovations and aims to attract corporate clients who care about the environment.

The hotels will help IHG test, learn and share results on sustainability measures.The company said in a statement:

InterContinental Hotels Group said “Each low carbon flagship hotel will feature sustainable solutions such as highly efficient heat pumps for heating and hot water generation, as well as fully electric kitchens,” the spokesperson said, but sustainability features will vary by property and will not be allocated top-down.

The company said it hopes to “inspire” other hotels to join the program and noted that the offerings could attract corporate customers. “With nearly all of IHG’s largest global commercial accounts setting net zero or zero carbon targets, these hotels will be attractive to corporate customers looking to meet their sustainable travel commitments.” IHG said.

Meanwhile, IHG CEO Elie Maalouf called for additional government support for sustainability and renewable energy initiatives. “Accelerating change at scale for both IHG and the wider industry also requires broader support from governments ranging from increased access to renewable energy and incentives for owners, to lowering the cost of technology that accelerates the industry’s transition to a greener, more resilient future,” he said. Maalouf said in a statement: