IHG Launches Solar Powered Hotel

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.

Among the ‘green’ features of the hotel: the forwarding of all unused non-perishable food to charities or food banks; solar panels on the roof to heat water; rainwater harvesting system to supply water to toilets; roof garden rich in shrubbery to provide extra insulation; wind power to generate electricity for the hotel; recycled glass windows; furniture and fittings made entirely from recycled materials; and household waste to provide heat and power.

The plants and thin layer of soil work like a sound barrier, particularly when they’re wet, helping to reduce noise pollution. Natural lava stone signage at the entrance and on the lawns replaces traditional plastic and metal signs.

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.

Bathrooms feature low-flow showerheads and dual flush toilets. IHG, owner of Holiday Inn, has 200 new build Holiday Inn prototypes open or under construction –which use 30 percent fewer materials to build and requires 20 percent less energy to run.