IHG reveals design plans for first green hotel

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has revealed design proposals for its first fully-fledged green hotel.

The solar-powered hotel aims to be 100% ecologically-friendly and could be used as a technology and construction template for future IHG developments.

The virtual property has been put on the IHG website to enable guests to give feedback on ways to cut energy use.

Ideas proposed include solar panels on the roof to heat water; a rainwater harvesting system to supply water to toilets; a roof garden with shrubbery to provide extra insulation and wind-power to generate electricity.

All furniture in reception is made from recycled material and all the paper used by receptionists will also be recycled.

Bathrooms would feature low-flow showerheads and dual flush toilets.

Senior vice-president of corporate responsibility at IHG, David Jerome, said the hotel chain already used examples of responsible tourism, but that it was now looking at setting "company-wide goals to deliver real benefits to the environment".

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By Gemma Sharkey

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