Case studies
IHG to participate in US Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency Project
IHG is among 24 companies selected by the US Dept of Energy initiative to move energy saving technologies from the laboratory into commercial buildings. The award of US$15 million in September 2008 brings together two US National Laboratories with private sector companies like IHG to achieve the target of energy savings of 50% above the standard set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning for commercial new-build and 30% for existing building retrofits. The best practice developed by this project should significantly contribute to our knowledge of approaches to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from hotels.
Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront recognised for green practices
The Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront in Ontario, Canada has made significant environmental performance improvements since adopting an environmental programme in 2006. The hotel has adopted local product sources and energy efficient technologies, and has begun staff education efforts, as well as integrating environmental considerations in purchasing decisions. Some recent highlights have included:
- In line with the hotel’s environmental policy and preference for recycled materials, in the summer of 2008, 32 patio furniture sets made from 100% recycled plastic were sourced.
- Upgrades to HVAC systems and lighting have resulted in a 10% reduction in kiloWatt hours per occupied room since 2004.
In recognition of its efforts the hotel recently received two green distinctions – an Environmental Practices award from Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, and a 4 Green Keys out of 5 grading from the Hotel Association of Canada.
Willard InterContinental
The Willard InterContinental in Washington DC has been a pioneer in developing a local sustainability management ‘Roadmap’ which outlines its economic, social and environmental goals to 2012. In 2008 the Willard published for the first time sustainability information on a variety of topics including on its energy, carbon, waste, diversity and community activities during 2007.
Close measurement of energy and water use, waste production and environmental purchasing are all highlighted, including it ambitious goals in these areas. In June 2007 the Willard began purchasing renewable energy. This has reduced the carbon dioxide contribution from electricity by 33% from 2006 to a figure of 36.2 kg per occupied room. Social responsibility measures have also been published including the staff commuting information, ethnic diversity and numerous community partnerships and programmes.
InterContinental Chicago O’Hare
The InterContinental, Chicago O’Hare which opened in September 2008 has from the start been able to capitalise on some of the environmental benefits built into its fabric and from its operating systems. The building was constructed using sustainable materials such as low VOC paints and finishes and has a green roof which provides a foothold in the city for nature and reduces hotel heating and cooling costs.
The building will obtain all its power from renewable energy credits. The 4,475 megaWatt hours purchased will help avoid an estimated 3,500 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent to removing 637 cars from the streets of Chicago. Of course given these environmental credentials it’s no surprise the hotel has comprehensive recycling (including in guest rooms), uses low-energy light bulbs and gives hybrid vehicles reserved parking among other initiatives.
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Resort
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Resort in Australia is committed to measuring and managing its environmental impact and finding innovative solutions particularly to minimise energy water and waste impacts. Energy use in the resort is reduced through a building energy management system which ensures equipment, lighting, heating and air conditioning are turned off when not needed. The resort also uses solar power to heat its swimming pool, and an insulating thermal cover is applied to the spa after opening hours.
Not surprisingly given the recent Australia-wide drought water saving measures are to the fore at Hunter Valley. Twin flush systems are installed on all toilet systems and the in-house ozone-based laundry system reduces water as well as energy and chemicals use. In the grounds over 80% of planting is indigenous and so better equipped for local conditions but any irrigation carried out occurs in the early morning or late afternoon to make best use of the borehole sourced and hotel grey-water used.
Eighty percent of the hotel waste is sent for reprocessing. Food waste, cardboard and paper is turned in to mulch for horticultural use while recyclables are collected and sorted elsewhere.
Environmental standards, certifications and awards
To meet the diverse demands of different environmental certifications, standards and regulatory requirements, IHG has developed Green Engage which provides in-house guidance on environmental metrics and good performance recognition.
However, in advance of Green Engage’s 2009 roll out, our Asia Pacific region has lead in efforts to achieve Green Globe certification. In our Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific sub-region a number of our hotels achieved Green Globe status in 2008. These were:
- Crowne Plaza, Auckland, New Zealand
- Crowne Plaza, Newcastle, Australia
- Holiday Inn Brisbane, Australia
- Holiday Inn City Centre, Perth, Australia
- Holiday Inn on Flinders, Melbourne, Australia
- InterContinental Resort & Spa Moorea, French Polynesia
- InterContinental Resort, Tahiti
- InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa
- InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, Bora Bora
Holiday Inn Express Bergamo-West nominated for Sustainability Award at the European Hotel Design Awards.
The Holiday Inn Express in Bergamo, Italy was nominated for the Sustainability Award at the 2008 European Hotel Design Awards for its sustainable approach to design, development and architecture. This is much to the credit of Lorenzo Bernini, the owner of the hotel who has driven this work with his passion for sustainability.
The hotel’s design incorporated sustainable urban development principles such as using renewable building materials, minimising raw material use, incorporating energy-saving measures, minimising operational costs, and limiting construction time to reduce the impact on the local urban environment.
One notable aspect of the design was the hotel’s novel structure which resulted in 20% less steel reinforcement being needed as well as reductions in use of concrete and other building materials. The hotel incorporated many energy saving measures including a biodiesel electricity and heat co-generation plant, solar panels to pre-heat sanitary hot water, rainwater capture system for toilet flushing, and the extensive use of LED and solar-powered lighting in guestrooms and corridors.
Despite the adoption of these innovations, first excavations through to opening of the 100 room hotel was achieved, on programme and on budget within a seven month timeframe, less than half the time required on average for a traditional construction method Holiday Inn Express. Inclusive of the additional and innovative eco-friendly materials, construction methods and systems adopted, build cost was just 20-30% higher than a comparable, “standard”, Holiday Inn Express.
Our CR report and Innovation hotel website
Our Innovation Hotel was extremely successful in 2008 and our visitors spent unprecedented lengths of time on the site. In addition to this the site won two awards; an Institute of Company Secretaries and Administrators award for most innovative approach to CR and the ‘Innovator Award in CSR’ at the Hotel Report Awards. Take a tour around our award winning virtual hotel.
Corporate Responsibility at IHG’s new headquarters at Denham, UK
After facing the challenge of outgrowing our existing offices in Windsor, Global IHG Headquarters (HQ) were relocated to a new site in Denham in September 2008. The new HQ was designed in consultation with our employees and with sustainability in mind.
Reducing paper waste
Fast fact: Our Health and Safety Team – With the introduction of Merlin, two of the monthly training tools which were sent to hotels bi-monthly are now online. We estimate that this change will save 14,400 pieces of paper a year.
Water and energy efficient washing rolled out
Laundry may not be the most exciting aspect of hospitality but advances in technology such as the move to ozone based washing is revolutionising the laundry process. Ozone technology enables a more efficient laundry process using cold water, and also improves the effectiveness of the spin cycle. This generated noticeable labour savings due to increased efficiency of laundry operations. A pilot ozone laundry study in Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach, Australia showed impressive savings in water use of 21%; gas 70%; electricity 55% and labour savings 17%. Based on these savings 8 hotels in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific have installed or are installing ozone laundry systems and others in Asia Pacific are following.
Sunniest Means Largest for Crowne Plaza Alice Springs, Australia
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs set the benchmark for Australia’s business sector and hotel industry when it switched on the largest building mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system in the Southern Hemisphere and began its AUS $50,000 in-house energy efficiency program.
The ground-breaking $3.3 million PV installation will reduce the hotel’s energy consumption by 40-80 percent dependant on the time of year, with the energy efficiency program further reducing consumption by 18 percent.
The combined array will generate more than 530,000 kilowatts hours per year; enough to power 60 family homes and will provide between 50 and 90% of the hotel’s power. The project is a joint initiative between the hotel and the Australian Government’s Solar Cities Programme following a comprehensive environmental audit undertaken by the hotel in 2007.
Apart from reducing the hotel’s carbon dioxide emissions by 420 metric tonnes per year the project will reduce the City’s fossil fuel reliance and also provide locals with an opportunity to gain experience on grid-connected PV systems, enhancing their ability to gain further work within the renewable industry in Central Australia.
Hotel Indigo partners with Earth Share
In April 2008, IHG’s Hotel Indigo brand, announced a partnership with Earth Share, a US-based network of environmental organisations including the National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, Rainforest Alliance and World Wildlife Fund. Hotel Indigo has made a 21-month commitment to help Earth Share raise money to support environmental stewardship. Earth Share will assist Hotel Indigo with consumer and employee sustainability education. At present Hotel Indigo’s sustainability efforts include water and waste reduction, use of eco-friendly cleaning products and biodegradable food containers, recycling and encouraging hotels to buy locally when it makes sense.
