The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality brand, continues to strengthen its sustainable business practices in line with its commitment to making a positive impact through an integrated approach to creating sustainable growth.
IHCL has undertaken a number of initiatives guided by its Paathya framework, including the phasing out of single-use plastic, reduction in carbon footprint, water conservation, use of renewable energy sources, and extensive community engagement at its Goa property.
This Earth Day, IHCL commemorates the occasion by announcing that 57 of its hotels have received Earth Check Platinum Certification, representing 14 years of social and environmental impact by ensuring sustainable tourism management practices. Since 2008, a total of 77 EarthCheck certified IHCL hotels have saved significantly by:
- Approximately 780,940 kilolitres of water will be saved.
- reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 286,006,980 kilograms of CO2 equivalent (CO2e)
- Approximately 1,548,283,817 megajoules of energy are saved.
- reducing landfill waste by 18,790 cubic meters
- Setting up bottling plants in 15 hotels around the world to eliminate the use of single-use plastic by replacing all plastic water bottles with reusable glass bottles.
IHCL, Goa commemorated the occasion by achieving EarthCheck Certification across the majority of its hotels in the state. The Platinum Certification was awarded to Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in Benaulim, Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa in Sinquerim, and Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa in Candolim, representing 14 years of social and environmental impact through sustainable tourism management practices.
Mr. Vincent Ramos, Area Director – IHCL, Goa, commented on the initiative, saying, “At IHCL, Goa, we constantly strive to grow responsibly and contribute meaningfully to environmental preservation.” Our sustainability goals are in sync with the changing world in which we live. It is critical that we focus on a brighter future, one that is more sustainable and inclusive. IHCL, Goa will continue to drive responsible tourism with sustainable practices in its pursuit of excellence and setting a standard in the tourism industry.”
Various initiatives were also organized at the hotels for both staff and guests to raise awareness and bring to light environmentally friendly alternatives for a greener future. Some of the activities included creative waste reuse, sapling plantation, nature walks, an informative session by Tata Motors on the benefits and misconceptions of adopting electric vehicles, and donating re-usable stainless steel tiffin containers to El Shaddai Charitable Trust in Candolim and Calangute.
IHCL has announced its sustainability commitments for the year 2030 under Paathya, with a long-term vision of driving responsible tourism. These include eliminating single-use plastic in all of its hotels, ensuring that all wastewater is reused, and making all business meetings and conferences green with the introduction of Innergise– Green Meetings.
Furthermore, with a keen focus on reducing carbon footprint, IHCL has partnered with Tata Power to provide EV charging stations across hotels in key locations and has also leveraged the partnership to use renewable energy as a green energy source across hotels.
In its pursuit of excellence and setting new standards in the tourism industry, IHCL will continue to pioneer sustainable practices.
IHCL, Goa continues to be one of the largest hospitality operators in the state of Goa, operating the most hotels and rooms under a variety of brands such as Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Ginger, and am Stays & Trails.
