IHG and Water Footprint Network to develop water stewardship program
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has appointed the Water Footprint Network to develop a worldwide water stewardship program for the hotel company. The program will see IHG and the Water Footprint Network develop an understanding of IHG’s water usage at a local level, applying best practice techniques and behaviours to manage and reduce its water footprint.
“We are very much looking forward to partnering with IHG to develop its global water stewardship program,” said Ruth Mathews, executive director, Water Footprint Network. “IHG’s global scale gives us an opportunity to make both a broad and positive impact, as well as to inspire the millions of people and guests that work and stay in IHG’s hotels.”
The partnership will build on the progress IHG is already making to reduce water consumption per occupied room in water-stressed areas, one of the company’s 2013–2017 Corporate Responsibility targets. The company helps its hotels to manage freshwater usage through its online environmental sustainability tool, IHG Green Engage, which gives hotels the ability to track their usage and management of carbon, energy and waste.
IHG’s 4900+ hotels are enrolled in the system, giving them access to more than 200 actions — or ‘Green Solutions’ — designed to reduce the hotels’ environmental impact. There are nearly 30 Green Solutions devoted solely to water, including the ability to track consumption on a monthly basis, as well as guidance on more specific water-saving solutions such as metering, rainwater harvesting and the installation of devices such as low-flow taps and showerheads.
“We are delighted to add the Water Footprint Network’s expertise to the great work we’re doing towards achieving our reduction targets around water consumption,” said Paul Snyder, vice president of corporate responsibility – environmental sustainability, IHG. “IHG has a presence in nearly 100 countries, so ensuring we are good water stewards locally generates significant environmental and economic benefits for both IHG and the communities in which we operate.”
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