IHG Hotels & Resorts Launches Industry-First Low Carbon Pioneers Program
IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in hospitality, has unveiled its groundbreaking Low Carbon Pioneers program aimed at revolutionizing sustainability in the hotel industry. This innovative initiative brings together a select group of energy-efficient hotels that operate without combusting fossil fuels on-site, supported entirely by renewable energy sources.
The Low Carbon Pioneers program marks a pivotal step for IHG Hotels & Resorts, designed to test, learn, and share insights on effective sustainability practices. The initiative aims to inspire and encourage other properties within IHG’s portfolio to adopt similar carbon reduction measures, fostering broader sustainability efforts across the company’s global estate.
The inaugural Low Carbon Pioneer hotels include:
- Holiday Inn Express Madrid Airport, Spain
- Iberostar Waves Cristina, Spain
- Kimpton BEM Budapest, Hungary
Each of these pioneering hotels will showcase advanced sustainable solutions such as high-efficiency heat pumps, electric kitchens, and innovative technologies for hot water generation. Additionally, every property will hold recognized sustainability certifications like Green Key or sustainable building certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, or EDGE.
Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s launch: “The Low Carbon Pioneers program represents another innovative leap forward as we meet evolving guest expectations, future-proof our hotel owners’ businesses, and significantly reduce carbon emissions across our portfolio.”
Maalouf emphasized IHG’s commitment to sustainability, noting, “This initiative is a crucial next step in our sustainability journey, with many more to come. Achieving meaningful change on a global scale requires collaboration with governments and industry bodies to enhance access to renewable energy and incentivize carbon reduction practices.”
The participating hotels will be prominently featured as low carbon or low carbon-ready options across IHG’s booking platforms, appealing to corporate clients with net-zero or carbon-neutral travel goals. Energy-efficient practices not only align with environmental regulations but also enhance opportunities for green financing and future-proofing hotel investments.
IHG Hotels & Resorts remains dedicated to responsible business practices through its Journey to Tomorrow guide, which outlines comprehensive strategies to minimize environmental impact, support local communities, and promote employee well-being. From energy conservation measures to renewable energy sourcing and electric vehicle infrastructure, IHG continues to lead by example in sustainable hospitality practices.
The launch of the Low Carbon Pioneers program underscores IHG’s ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability leadership within the hospitality sector. As a pioneer in sustainability initiatives like replacing single-use amenities and community solar programs, IHG sets a new benchmark for reducing operational carbon emissions and shaping a greener future for global hospitality.