Overview

HG’s Sustainable Hospitality: Leading the Charge Towards a Greener Future

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is at the forefront of the hospitality industry’s sustainability efforts, committed to reducing its environmental impact through innovative technology and eco-friendly practices. As the global conversation around climate change intensifies, IHG’s proactive approach to sustainability is setting new standards in the world of luxury hotels and business travel. The group’s sustainability strategy is centred around “Journey to Tomorrow,” an ambitious initiative that seeks to halve its carbon emissions by 2030, eliminate waste, and promote biodiversity across all its properties. This vision is reflected in the brand’s leading hotels such as InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, Kimpton Fitzroy London, and Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay, where cutting-edge eco-technologies and sustainable operations are integrated without compromising luxury.

Carbon Reduction and Renewable Energy Innovations

Central to IHG’s sustainability strategy is reducing carbon emissions through a combination of energy-efficient technologies and the adoption of renewable energy sources. At the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, the hotel is leading by example with its advanced Building Management System (BMS). The system monitors real-time energy consumption, controlling heating, cooling, and lighting to optimise efficiency and minimise wastage. Additionally, the property has significantly reduced its reliance on fossil fuels by integrating solar panels on its roof, which generate clean, renewable energy to power part of the hotel’s daily operations.

One of the most striking examples of IHG’s commitment to sustainability is the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. This stunning island resort has incorporated a solar farm, which provides a significant portion of its energy needs, reducing its reliance on diesel generators and cutting emissions. The resort has also adopted a heat recovery system, which repurposes waste heat from generators to provide hot water throughout the property, showcasing an innovative approach to energy conservation. Furthermore, IHG’s efforts extend to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations being installed across its properties, such as at the Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay, encouraging eco-conscious travellers to opt for sustainable transportation.

Water Conservation and Waste Management

Water scarcity is a growing concern worldwide, and IHG is addressing this through a range of innovative water conservation initiatives. Many of its properties, including the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, have installed desalination plants, which convert seawater into freshwater, significantly reducing the reliance on external water sources. The hotel has also implemented greywater recycling systems that reuse treated wastewater for non-potable uses such as irrigation and landscaping, ensuring minimal water wastage.

At Kimpton Fitzroy London, one of the most iconic hotels in IHG’s portfolio, smart water management technologies such as low-flow fixtures and sensor-based taps have been installed in guest rooms and public areas to reduce water consumption. Additionally, the hotel has introduced rainwater harvesting systems that capture and reuse rainwater for various purposes, further promoting sustainable water management practices.

Waste reduction is another pillar of IHG’s sustainability commitment. At InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, a remarkable hotel built inside an abandoned quarry, the property has adopted zero-waste-to-landfill practices. All waste is separated and either recycled, composted, or repurposed, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. The hotel also converts food waste into compost, which is used to enrich the soil in its surrounding gardens, promoting a closed-loop system.

Tackling Single-Use Plastics and Promoting Sustainable Materials

IHG is making impressive strides in eliminating single-use plastics from its properties. As part of its “No More Plastic” initiative, the group has committed to replacing single-use plastic toiletries with bulk dispensers across all its hotels by the end of 2022. This move, already implemented at properties like Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong and Holiday Inn Paris Gare de l’Est, is expected to eliminate millions of single-use plastic items annually.

Moreover, Kimpton Saint George in Toronto is setting new benchmarks by using biodegradable straws, bamboo toothbrushes, and eco-friendly packaging across its food and beverage services. In the kitchen, sustainable sourcing of materials extends to packaging, with a focus on compostable and reusable items.

Enhancing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration

IHG’s commitment to the environment goes beyond reducing carbon and waste; it actively promotes biodiversity and supports ecosystem restoration. The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is a leading example of this, having implemented a coral reef restoration project. In partnership with marine biologists, the resort is working to regrow damaged coral reefs, planting new coral fragments and monitoring their growth to ensure a healthy marine ecosystem.

Similarly, the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort in Australia is deeply involved in the protection and conservation of the Great Barrier Reef. The hotel has launched its own Marine Centre, where guests are educated about the importance of preserving the reef, and they are invited to participate in eco-friendly diving experiences to witness the resort’s coral regeneration efforts first-hand.

Sustainable Design and Green Certifications

Green building certifications are an essential part of IHG’s sustainability efforts, with many of its properties earning LEED or BREEAM certifications for their commitment to eco-friendly design. voco Paris Montparnasse, for example, features a green roof, providing insulation while reducing the heat island effect, improving energy efficiency in the hotel. The use of sustainable construction materials and energy-efficient appliances has also been central to the design of the Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers, which is the first hotel in Scandinavia to incorporate groundwater-based cooling systems—a renewable energy solution that cools the property during summer months.

Another remarkable property, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Madrid, is built with solar shading, which reduces the need for air conditioning, cutting down on energy use. The hotel also boasts LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and eco-friendly building materials, which collectively contribute to lower carbon emissions.

Embracing the Circular Economy and Reducing Food Waste

IHG is a strong advocate for the circular economy, ensuring that materials and products are reused, recycled, or repurposed rather than discarded. Through its partnership with Too Good To Go in Europe, IHG has drastically reduced food waste at hotels like the Holiday Inn Berlin City Center. The program enables guests to purchase unsold food at a discounted price, ensuring it doesn’t go to waste while also raising awareness about sustainable food consumption.

Many IHG hotels, including InterContinental San Francisco, have embraced the use of local and organic produce to support sustainable agriculture and reduce the carbon footprint associated with food sourcing. This commitment extends to promoting sustainable seafood, ensuring that the hotel’s culinary offerings align with responsible environmental practices.

A Sustainable Future with IHG

IHG’s approach to sustainability is rooted in creating a positive impact on the environment and communities while delivering a luxurious experience for its guests. From innovative energy-saving technologies and water conservation strategies to eliminating plastic waste and promoting biodiversity, IHG is setting a new standard for sustainable hospitality. With initiatives like “Journey to Tomorrow” and eco-conscious practices already in place at flagship properties like InterContinental Maldives and Kimpton Fitzroy London, IHG is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also paving the way for the hospitality industry to build a greener, more sustainable future.

Curated by the World Travel
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