ATLANTA The in-house sustainability program from IHG, dubbed Green Engage, has become the first program designed for existing properties to win LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
An average U.S. hotel has in excess of US$500,000 in energy expenses every year, but IHG’s Green Engage can deliver more than US$90,000 in annual energy savings by making hotels 15% to 20% more energy efficient. This means IHG’s portfolio of 4,500 hotels has the potential to save US$300 million in reduced energy costs annually.
IHG plans to soon launch an enhanced version of Green Engage, which allows hotels to measure, manage and report their environmental impacts to a central database. Green Engage is suitable for all of IHG’s 4,500 hotels, across its seven brands. IHG now has more than 1,000 hotels registered for Green Engage and expects to grow this user base throughout 2011.
“On average, energy is the second largest cost in hotels, and our hotel owners want help to manage this,” says Jim Abrahamson, president of IHG in the Americas. “Green Engage aids hotels in becoming more energy efficient, environmentally sustainable while delivering significant cost savings to them. The extra boost of LEED certification will be of real value, to owners as it provides a stamp of approval recognized by industry and corporate clients.”
Green Engage gives hotel owners added value through both bottom-line and top-line benefits. Gaining this coveted endorsement for IHG’s Green Engage tool means hotels can expedite their own LEED certification, should they choose, by using Green Engage. A LEED designation is earned by the most sustainable buildings and gives an independent, internationally recognized rating against standards including energy savings, water conservation and sustainable construction materials.
“The built environment has a tremendous impact on our health, our quality of life, our environment and our economy,” says Doug Gatlin, vice president of LEED market development for the U.S. Green Building Council. “IHG recognizes the importance of this area and they are innovating to deliver sustainable hotel solutions. LEED certification of these hotels will help remind IHG’s customers, neighbors and competitors that building green is the smart choice.”