Wednesday, July 17, 2024
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IHG Hotels & Resorts launches industry-first Low Carbon Leaders programme, calls for government support to accelerate positive change
IHG Hotels & Resorts, the world’s leading hospitality company, announced the launch of the Low Carbon Leaders program, a pioneering initiative that brings together energy-efficient hotels that use no fossil fuels on-site and are powered by renewable energy.
This pioneering group of operational low carbon hotels is the first of its kind in the industry. It aims to test, learn and share ideas on sustainability measures, and inspire other hotels to adopt carbon reduction practices. The initial pioneering low carbon hotels include:
- Holiday Inn Express Madrid Airport, Spain
- Iberostar Waves Cristina, Spain
- Kimpton BEM Budapest, Hungary
These hotels feature sustainable solutions such as high-efficiency heat pumps for heating and hot water, all-electric kitchens, and operational sustainability certifications recognized by the World Sustainable Tourism Council. They also use IHG’s Green Engage environmental platform to track and measure energy data.
Additional hotels will join the programme across all regions, as IHG develops a portfolio of “carbon-ready” hotels in areas where renewable energy is not yet fully available.
Elie Maalouf, CEO, IHG Hotels & ResortsIHG expressed its enthusiasm for the initiative, saying: “The Low Carbon Leaders programme is an innovative step towards meeting guest expectations, helping hoteliers secure the future of their businesses, and reducing carbon across the hotel. Accelerating change at scale requires broader government support, including increased access to renewable energy, incentives for hoteliers, and lower technology costs. IHG is committed to working with industry bodies and governments to achieve this goal.”
For IHG hotel owners, the program offers a significant opportunity to secure the future of their hotels. It encourages the adoption of carbon-reducing practices and highlights energy-efficient hotels across IHG’s booking channels. These hotels are particularly attractive to corporate clients with net-zero or carbon-neutral goals. Benefits for hotel owners include compliance with environmental regulations and better access to green financing, which can lead to stronger property valuations.
IHG Hotels & Resorts is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through its Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan, which focuses on caring for people, communities and the planet. The company continues to develop solutions to reduce the environmental impact of its hotels, from energy conservation measures to sourcing renewable energy and installing electric vehicle chargers.
The Low Carbon Pioneers program builds on IHG’s legacy of ambitious sustainability initiatives, such as replacing mini-bathrooms with large amenities and providing renewable energy through the U.S. Community Solar Program. This new program sets the standard for sustainability for hotels, driving progress across the industry.
About IHG®
IHG Hotels & Resorts (LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)) is a global hospitality company dedicated to providing true hospitality for good. With 19 hotel brands and one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs, IHG has more than 6,300 hotels in more than 100 countries and a development pipeline of more than 2,000 properties.
- Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Vignette Collection, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo
- Premium: Voco, Hualuxe, Crowne Plaza, EVEN Hotels
- Basics: Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, Garner, Avid
- Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Suites, Candlewood Suites
- Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts
InterContinental Hotels Group, the holding company of the Group, is registered and incorporated in England and Wales. Approximately 375,000 people work in InterContinental hotels and offices around the world. Visit our website for more information about our hotels, reservations and IHG One Rewards. To download the IHG One Rewards app, visit the Apple App Store or Google Play. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news.
