Spain, Italy, UK, Hungary, and Netherlands Strengthen Europe’s Green Future with IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Low Carbon Pioneer Initiative – Travel And Tour World

Spain, Italy, UK, Hungary, and the Netherlands are taking significant steps towards a more sustainable future in Europe by joining IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Low Carbon Pioneer Programme. With the addition of new eco-friendly hotels across these countries, IHG is leading the charge in reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy practices. This initiative not only enhances the sustainability of the hospitality industry but also sets a powerful example for other sectors, demonstrating how IHG’s commitment to carbon reduction can help create a greener, more sustainable Europe.

IHG Hotels & Resorts, a recognized leader in the global hospitality industry, has made significant strides toward promoting sustainability in the hotel sector with the launch of its Low Carbon Pioneer programme. This initiative is an essential part of the company’s Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan, designed to reduce IHG’s carbon footprint and introduce sustainable practices across its brand portfolio. Today, the company announced the addition of five more hotels to this ambitious programme, including four new properties in Europe and one in Paraguay. These new additions reflect IHG’s ongoing commitment to adopting energy-efficient technologies and practices that prioritize the environment, with an emphasis on eliminating fossil fuel usage on-site and utilizing renewable energy sources.

The Low Carbon Pioneer programme is revolutionizing the hotel industry by creating a group of properties that embody energy efficiency and sustainability. These hotels do not combust fossil fuels on-site and rely entirely on renewable energy to power their operations. This new community of eco-friendly hotels is the first of its kind in the hospitality industry, paving the way for IHG to test, learn, and share findings on sustainability measures. The launch of these five new hotels expands the programme’s reach and demonstrates the continued adoption of carbon reduction practices across IHG’s diverse portfolio of brands.

A Strong Commitment to Sustainability

The announcement today builds upon the success of IHG’s initial group of Low Carbon Pioneer hotels, which were unveiled in July 2024. At that time, IHG introduced three hotels in Europe as part of the programme, marking a milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainable hospitality. The new additions to the programme, announced today, further demonstrate IHG’s determination to implement sustainable practices and reduce carbon emissions across its operations.

The five new properties include hotels from various segments within the IHG portfolio, highlighting the broad applicability of sustainable practices across different categories. These new additions will provide valuable data for IHG to refine and scale its sustainability efforts. Here’s a breakdown of the new hotels joining the Low Carbon Pioneer community:

1. Kimpton BEM Budapest, Hungary (Luxury & Lifestyle Segment)

Kimpton BEM Budapest, a luxury hotel located in Hungary, is now part of the Low Carbon Pioneer programme. The hotel is focused on providing luxury accommodations with minimal environmental impact, utilizing high-efficiency heat pumps for heating and hot water generation, along with fully electric kitchens.

2. voco Marylebone, UK (Premium Segment)

voco Marylebone in the United Kingdom is another exciting addition to the programme. As a premium hotel, voco Marylebone combines stylish design with sustainability, ensuring that guests can enjoy a high-quality experience while minimizing their environmental footprint. This property incorporates energy-efficient solutions and utilizes renewable energy sources for its operations.

3. voco Milan, Italy (Premium Segment)

voco Milan, located in Italy, is the second premium hotel to join the Low Carbon Pioneer programme. This eco-conscious property is committed to reducing its carbon emissions by integrating sustainable practices into its daily operations. By using renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, the hotel aims to provide guests with a green and comfortable experience.

4. Holiday Inn Express Madrid Airport, Spain (Essentials Segment)

Holiday Inn Express Madrid Airport in Spain has become part of the programme as an essential hotel that caters to travelers seeking a budget-friendly, eco-conscious stay. With high-efficiency heat pumps and sustainable energy solutions, this hotel offers an affordable yet sustainable option for guests passing through Madrid.

5. Holiday Inn Express Almere, Netherlands (Essentials Segment)

Holiday Inn Express Almere in the Netherlands joins the Low Carbon Pioneer programme as another exemplary hotel in the Essentials segment. By incorporating energy-saving measures and utilizing renewable energy, the hotel aims to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining the high standards expected of the Holiday Inn Express brand.

6. Staybridge Suites Malaga, Spain (Suites Segment)

Staybridge Suites Malaga in Spain joins the programme as a suite hotel offering guests the flexibility of extended stays while ensuring minimal environmental impact. With energy-efficient technology and sustainable practices throughout the property, this hotel represents the future of eco-friendly hospitality.

Iberostar Cristina Waves, Spain (Exclusive Partner)

In addition to the IHG properties, Iberostar Cristina Waves in Spain also joins the Low Carbon Pioneer community as an exclusive partner. This hotel is dedicated to adopting sustainable practices and aligning with the broader goals of reducing carbon emissions within the tourism industry.

A Milestone for Sustainability in the Americas

The addition of Holiday Inn Express Asuncion Aviadores in Paraguay is a significant milestone for the Low Carbon Pioneer programme, marking the first hotel in the Americas and the first property outside of Europe to join this group. This expansion demonstrates the global impact of IHG’s sustainability efforts and marks a major step toward achieving the company’s ambitious environmental goals.

Sustainable Features of Low Carbon Pioneer Hotels

Each of the newly added hotels is designed with sustainability at its core. A key feature of the Low Carbon Pioneer hotels is the use of high-efficiency heat pumps, which are employed for both heating and hot water generation. Heat pumps are an effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional heating methods, using electricity to transfer heat from the air or ground into buildings. This approach reduces energy consumption and minimizes greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, these hotels are equipped with fully electric kitchens, eliminating the need for natural gas and further reducing the carbon footprint of hotel operations. These innovative solutions contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible hospitality experience for both guests and staff.

Spain, Italy, UK, Hungary, and the Netherlands are advancing Europe’s sustainability efforts through IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Low Carbon Pioneer Programme, promoting carbon reduction and renewable energy across the hospitality sector.

IHG’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future

IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan serves as the guiding framework for the company’s sustainability efforts. This plan focuses on three core pillars: caring for people, caring for communities, and caring for the planet. As part of this comprehensive strategy, IHG is committed to reducing its environmental impact and implementing sustainable practices across its global hotel portfolio.

The company has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint, and the expansion of the Low Carbon Pioneer programme is a key step in achieving these goals. In addition to adopting renewable energy solutions and energy-saving technologies, IHG is also working to measure, manage, and minimize the environmental impact of its hotels. These efforts include the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and the promotion of energy conservation measures such as energy-efficient lighting, heating, and ventilation.

By expanding the Low Carbon Pioneer programme, IHG is not only improving its sustainability efforts but also encouraging the wider hotel industry to adopt similar green practices. IHG’s ongoing work in this area underscores the company’s leadership role in advancing sustainability within the hospitality sector.

IHG Hotels & Resorts is taking significant steps to reduce the environmental impact of its operations through the expansion of the Low Carbon Pioneer programme. With the addition of new hotels across Europe and Paraguay, the company is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction. These efforts are crucial to achieving a more sustainable future for the hotel industry, and IHG’s leadership in this area sets a powerful example for others to follow. As the Low Carbon Pioneer programme continues to grow, it will help IHG further its sustainability goals while providing guests with eco-friendly travel options that support a healthier planet.