IHG launches the world’s first 'green' hotel

This could be the world's first ever 100 per cent ecologically-friendly hotel – and its 'green' credentials will set the benchmark for hoteliers around the world.

The solar powered 'Innovation Hotel' –
which is the brainchild of the InterContinental Hotels Group –
outlines the latest technology in energy and water conservation and
recycling.
People who do their bit for the
environment when they're at home are likely to be interested in doing
the same when they're staying in a hotel.
The first inkling a guest will get of
the Innovation Hotel's green attributes is the green roof – planted
with low-maintenance plants – which improves the thermal performance
of the hotel and helps keep it cool in warm weather and insulate it
in winter.
Other environmental benefits include
improvements to air quality, biodiversity and storm water run off.
All the furniture in the reception is made from recycled material and
all the paper used by the receptionists will also be recycled. The
decor is low emission paint, all the artwork produced by local
artists to ensure a low carbon-footprint and there are recycling bins
for guests to use.
All unused food from the kitchens is
packaged and delivered to local charities or food banks to cut
wastage.
And left over scraps are composted to
create a rich fertiliser for use on hotel plants and lawns.
In the bedroom all furniture and
fittings including towels are made from recycled materials,
mattresses consist of natural fibre such as horsehair, as will
carpets. Bathrooms feature low-flow showerheads and dual flush
toilets. On the roof there will be up to four huge solar panels
drawing energy from the sun to heat water and help cut back on
non-renewable energy use. Harvesting systems collect rainwater in
tanks either on the roof or underground. In regions where there's
plenty of regular rain, harvesting is an effective and low-cost way
of reducing demand on local water supplies. The hotel uses the rain
water to flush toilets and water grounds, as well as for dishwashers
and washing machines. Oil produced from household waste can be used
as bio-fuel instead of fossil fuels to generate heat and power.