IHG Hotels & Resorts has added four European hotels to its Low Carbon Pioneer programme, which brings together low operational carbon properties to help test, learn and share findings on sustainability measures.
This initiative is designed to create a community of energy-efficient hotels that operate without on-site fossil fuel combustion and are supported by renewable energy sources.
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The programme represents a first in the industry, aiming to facilitate the sharing of sustainability practices and insights.
The newly added properties join three other hotels that were part of the programme’s inception in July 2024.
These hotels exemplify IHG’s commitment to carbon reduction across its diverse brand portfolio, which includes names such as Kimpton, voco, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, and exclusive partners like Iberostar.
Furthermore, the Low Carbon Pioneer community has expanded beyond Europe to include Holiday Inn Express Asuncion Aviadores in Paraguay, marking the programme’s debut in the Americas.
Each hotel within this pioneering group boasts sustainable features such as heat pumps and fully electric kitchens, as well as operational sustainability certifications.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Europe senior vice president and managing director Karin Sheppard said: “It is fantastic to see this group of hotels leading the way in our Low Carbon Pioneers programme across different parts of our brand portfolio. It demonstrates the opportunity that exists here in Europe to drive sustainability progress across the industry and allows us to inspire other properties to join the programme and encourage the wider adoption of carbon reduction practices.
“Guests seeking more sustainable stays will find these hotels marketed as low carbon across our channels and for our hotel owners, the Low Carbon Pioneers programme can play an important role in future-proofing their businesses.”
IHG Hotels & Resorts is actively working towards reducing its environmental footprint and fostering sustainable practices across its global operations.
The company’s responsible business strategy involves collaboration with colleagues, hotel owners, and partners to develop and implement measures for environmental impact management.
These measures include the adoption of energy conservation standards, the use of renewable energy, and the installation of electric vehicle chargers.
Earlier in the month, IHG, in collaboration with Zeal Hotels and Valor Hospitality, launched the voco Zeal Exeter Science Park in Exeter, UK, which is the group’s first lifecycle net-zero carbon hotel.
