IHG unveils new industry-first Low Carbon Pioneers programme

IHG Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its Low Carbon Pioneers programme, aiming to lead the hospitality industry in energy efficiency and sustainability.

The initiative features hotels that operate without fossil fuel combustion on-site* and rely on renewable energy.

Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, stated, “The Low Carbon Pioneers programme is an innovative step towards meeting evolving guest expectations and reducing carbon emissions across our estate.

“However, achieving significant change at scale requires broader support from governments, including increased access to renewable energy and incentives for owners. IHG is committed to collaborating with industry bodies and governments to drive this transition.”

IHG introduces and industry-first programme

The Low Carbon Pioneers programme is a first in the industry, creating a community of energy-efficient hotels across various IHG brands and locations.

The initial participants include:

• Holiday Inn Express Madrid Airport, Spain
• Iberostar Waves Cristina, Spain
• Kimpton BEM Budapest, Hungary

These properties incorporate sustainable technologies such as high-efficiency heat pumps and fully electric kitchens.

They also hold sustainability certifications recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, such as Green Key, LEED, BREEAM, or EDGE.

Energy data for these hotels will be tracked using IHG’s Green Engage platform.

IHG plans to expand the programme across all regions and develop a “low-carbon ready” group of hotels. These properties will be prepared to fully transition to renewable energy as it becomes available in their respective locations.

A solution for partners

For IHG’s hotel owners, the Low Carbon Pioneers programme offers a path to future-proof their businesses.

Hotels marketed as low-carbon or low-carbon ready will attract guests seeking sustainable stays and corporate clients with net-zero or carbon-neutral targets.

Energy-efficient hotels can also benefit from alignment with environmental regulations and improved access to green finance, potentially leading to stronger property valuations.

*Backup generators are excluded if they fall below 5 per cent of the hotel’s total annual energy consumption. New hotels have 12 months to certify from opening.

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