IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms, today announces that its in-house sustainability system Green Engage* has been awarded with a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) volume precertification established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). IHG has become the first hotel company to receive this award for an existing hotels programme, further cementing its place as an industry leader in the field of sustainability.
The USGBC’s LEED rating system is the preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Volume precertification is a preliminary step that provides a streamlined path to LEED certification for a large group of hotels based on a preapproved prototype and process.
- In the US alone, an average hotel has in excess of $500,000 in energy expenses every year.
- On average, energy is the second largest cost in hotels and our hotel owners want help to manage this.
- Green Engage can deliver over $90,000 in annual energy savings by making hotels 15% to 20% more energy efficient.
- Additionally, Green Engage helps owners respond to the growing interest from guests who are looking for sustainable hotels that manage their environmental footprint.
http://www.ihgplc.com/index.asp?PageID=116&Year=2011&NewsID=2568
