Greener Tourism: IHG’s Global Sustainability Impact
With nearly a million total rooms in its system, IHG is one of the world’s biggest hospitality companies with brands like Holiday Inn and Hotel Indigo.
IHG’s 2024 Responsible Business Report details how it is taking action on its purpose, True Hospitality for Good.
Catherine Dolton, Chief Sustainability Officer at IHG Hotels and Resorts, said on LinkedIn: “As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, collaboration remains key – with our hotel owners, colleagues, guests and partners all playing critical roles in our sustainability journey.”
IHG’s approach to people
IHG’s report emphasises creating an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.
The organisation aims to achieve gender balance and increased representation of under-represented groups in leadership positions.
The report also stresses the importance of colleague wellbeing and upholding human rights across all operations.
In 2024, 36% of global corporate leaders at VP level and above were female, and 22% were racially or ethnically diverse.
IHG also conducted reviews of labour practices in selected hotels to ensure compliance with responsible labour standards.
Social impact at IHG
IHG aims to improve the lives of 30 million people in its communities by 2030 – since 2021, it says that its community initiatives have improved more than four million lives across the globe.
The company focuses on skills training, disaster relief and addressing food security.
In 2024, the IHG Academy provided skills training to more than 43,000 participants.
Its commitment to communities extends to providing rapid aid in times of crisis.
In 2024, IHG responded to 27 natural disasters around the world, including hurricanes in the US, floods in Europe and typhoons in South East Asia and China.
This support included providing accommodation, supplies and logistical assistance to those affected.
The company also launched a partnership with Action Against Hunger to combat malnutrition.
How IHG approaches the environment
IHG has set a science-based target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 46% by 2030.
Its efforts include the Low Carbon Pioneers programme, which recognises hotels operating without on-site fossil fuel combustion and making use of renewable energy.
IHG also updated its Green Engage platform to help hotels track their environmental performance.
The company has implemented initiatives to eliminate plastic bottles in hotel rooms, installing in-room water filtration systems in several hotels in Singapore.
While IHG has achieved a reduction in carbon emissions and energy use per room, the report shows that its total carbon emissions have increased by 7.2% since 2019.
It says this is due to new hotel openings and the lack of clean energy infrastructure in certain markets.
“In due course, we will be re-evaluating our targets, taking into account evolving standards and updates to carbon accounting and validation criteria,” says Elie Maalouf, CEO at IHG, in the report.
“The landscape in the sustainability space is rapidly changing, and it is crucial for us to take the time to reflect on the implications for IHG.”
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