IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the inclusion of four European hotels in its Low Carbon Pioneer program. This program focuses on energy-efficient hotels supported by renewable energy and that do not combust fossil fuels on-site. 

The Low Carbon Pioneer program IHG Hotels & Resorts initiated continues its growth trajectory by adding four European hotels. This initiative groups hotels that prioritize energy efficiency, avoid on-site fossil fuel combustion, and are supported by renewable energy sources.

The Low Carbon Pioneer program represents the first cohort of its kind in the hospitality industry. Its primary objective is to facilitate testing, learning, and sharing findings related to sustainability measures. With these four new European properties, the program expands beyond the initial three hotels in the same market that spearheaded the initiative in July 2024. This expansion underscores the successful implementation of carbon reduction practices across IHG’s brand portfolio.

The new additions include properties from each of IHG’s brand categories. From the Luxury & Lifestyle category, the Kimpton BEM Budapest in Hungary has been included. The Premium category sees additions from voco Marylebone, UK, and voco Milan, Italy. The Essentials category adds Holiday Inn Express Madrid Airport, Spain, and Holiday Inn Express Almere, Netherlands. Finally, Staybridge Suites Malaga, Spain, has been included from the Suites category. Additionally, Iberostar Cristina Waves from Spain has joined as an exclusive partner.

Furthermore, the Holiday Inn Express Asuncion Aviadores in Paraguay has been incorporated into the Low Carbon Pioneers community, marking the program’s first expansion into the Americas and its first location outside of Europe.

Each Low Carbon Pioneer hotel incorporates sustainable solutions, including high-efficiency heat pumps for heating and hot water generation and fully electric kitchens. Additionally, every property holds an operational sustainability certification.

Karin Sheppard, SVP and MD Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed her enthusiasm for expanding the Low Carbon Pioneers programme. She highlighted the opportunities for driving sustainability progress in the European hospitality industry and the potential to inspire other properties to adopt carbon reduction practices.

The full criteria for a Low Carbon Pioneer hotel is available online.