Why LEED v4.1 Certification Matters for Indian Hotels: Lessons from Radisson Blu Bengaluru

Why LEED v4.1 Certification Matters for Indian Hotels: Lessons from Radisson Blu Bengaluru

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 6, 2024

As sustainability becomes increasingly important, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification has emerged as the global standard for green building. LEED v4.1, an updated version, introduces more stringent benchmarks for energy efficiency, water management, waste reduction, and overall environmental performance. This certification is more than just a label—it represents a hotel’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and creating a healthier, more resource-efficient space for both guests and staff.

What is LEED v4.1 and Why Does It Matter?

LEED v4.1 certification is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and focuses on the sustainability of building operations and maintenance, particularly for existing buildings. Key features of LEED v4.1 include:

  1. Energy and Atmosphere: LEED v4.1 prioritizes energy performance, requiring buildings to optimize their energy use through renewable energy sources, energy-efficient lighting, and reduced fossil fuel dependency.

  2. Water Efficiency: Water-saving technologies and practices are crucial, including low-flow fixtures and effective water recycling methods. This criterion aims to protect water resources while lowering utility costs.

  3. Materials and Resources: Hotels must adopt a “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” approach, ensuring that building materials are sustainable, reusable, and sourced responsibly.

  4. Indoor Environmental Quality: To provide a healthy environment, LEED v4.1 emphasizes indoor air quality, natural lighting, and minimal pollutant emissions, creating a comfortable space for guests and employees.

  5. Innovation in Design: Properties are encouraged to incorporate unique, innovative approaches to sustainability that go beyond standard practices, from using biogas to integrating green roofs.

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Why LEED v4.1 Certification is Essential for Hospitality

For hotels, obtaining LEED v4.1 certification is a forward-thinking investment. It boosts a hotel’s appeal among eco-conscious travelers, aligns with global environmental standards, and reduces operational costs over time. In India, where the hospitality sector is rapidly expanding, integrating LEED standards can significantly reduce the industry’s environmental impact, create jobs in green energy sectors, and promote a culture of sustainability across the nation.

Radisson Blu Bengaluru: Setting an Example

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Radisson Blu Bengaluru, Outer Ring Road, stands out as the first hotel in India to achieve the LEED v4.1 Platinum certification for Operations and Maintenance of an Existing Building. Their achievements include:

  • Renewable Energy Integration: They have reduced reliance on fossil fuels by incorporating electric vehicles and renewable energy sources like solar power.
  • Biogas Plant: Their on-site biogas plant processes up to 500 kg of food waste daily, which produces enough gas to prepare meals for 300 staff members.
  • Resource Management: A strong “Reduce-Reuse-Repair & Recycle” program ensures responsible use of materials and waste reduction, contributing to cost savings and environmental health.

Radisson Blu Bengaluru’s commitment to sustainability demonstrates the significant operational benefits and community impact a hotel can achieve by aligning with LEED standards.

Moving Forward: Steps for Hotels to Embrace Sustainability

For other hotels in India, the LEED v4.1 framework provides actionable steps toward sustainability:

  1. Incorporate Renewable Energy: Solar panels, wind turbines, and biogas plants can help hotels reduce reliance on nonrenewable resources.
  2. Implement Efficient Water Management: Hotels can adopt rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems to conserve water.
  3. Adopt Waste Management Systems: From recycling programs to composting, efficient waste management aligns with LEED goals and minimizes landfill waste.
  4. Pursue LEED Certification: Following LEED standards can improve a hotel’s sustainability profile, reduce costs, and increase appeal to eco-conscious travelers.

Congratulating Radisson Blu Bengaluru on Their Achievement

Congratulations to Radisson Blu Bengaluru, Outer Ring Road, for their leadership in sustainable hospitality and for setting a new standard in India. Their journey toward LEED v4.1 Platinum certification exemplifies what’s possible when hotels embrace sustainability, and their efforts pave the way for a greener hospitality industry in India.


Della Resorts & Adventure Announces Its Elegant Christmas Festive Package for 2025

Della Resorts & Adventure Announces Its Elegant Christmas Festive Package for 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 10, 2025

Della Resorts & Adventure has unveiled its Christmas Festive Package for 2025, bringing the holiday season alive in a way that feels warm, thoughtful and pleasantly personal. The package offers a two-night stay, available for either 24–25 or 25–26 December, giving guests a simple but memorable festive escape.

The experience is designed around meaningful moments rather than extravagance, a stay that feels slow and unhurried, mornings that ease into a relaxed breakfast and an Adventure Day Pass that brings a playful spirit to the holiday. Guests can enjoy The Vegas Noelat, the resort’s annual Christmas production, and begin their evening at Café 24 with festive cocktails or mocktails that set the mood just right.

A Christmas Brunch becomes the highlight of the day, and every guest leaves with a traditional pudding, a nostalgic touch that adds to the charm of the celebration.

Children have their own world of December cheer with gingerbread decorating, a Santa Meet-and-Greet and curated activities designed just for them. For adults, the experience sits between a refreshing getaway and a soft festive reset, celebratory without being loud, joyful without being predictable.

The package is ideal for anyone wanting to step away from the city’s usual December rush and spend the holiday in a setting that feels warm, relaxed and a little extra special.


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Begins the Festive Season with a Heartwarming Tree Lighting Ceremony

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Begins the Festive Season with a Heartwarming Tree Lighting Ceremony

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 9, 2025

Novotel Vijayawada Varun welcomed the festive season with a warm and elegant Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony that brought together families, friends and the wider Vijayawada community. Guests arrived dressed in cheerful shades of red and white, adding to the cosy mood and reflecting the inviting spirit the hotel is known for.

The evening honoured the global tradition of lighting the Christmas tree, a custom that symbolises hope and togetherness. Novotel blended this festive heritage with its local connect, creating an experience that celebrated both culture and community. As the tree lit up, the space took on a magical glow, making it a picture-perfect moment for everyone present.

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Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Hotel Manager Manish Pathak said, “Christmas at Novotel Vijayawada Varun is about creating meaningful moments for our guests. Our aim is to bring people together in a space that feels warm, familiar and joyful. This evening reminds us of the power of community and the happiness that comes from sharing simple, heartfelt experiences.”

Children were excited to meet Santa Claus, who handed out chocolates, adding a joyful moment to the evening. Christmas hats were also given to guests, and families gathered around the beautifully decorated tree to click photographs, creating memories that captured the joy of the season.

One of the highlights of the evening was the curated high tea at the Gourmet Bar. Guests enjoyed hot beverages and a refined selection of appetizers, all set within the venue’s stylish and warm ambiance. The Gourmet Bar once again proved to be one of the hotel’s most comforting and welcoming social spaces.

With thoughtful details, festive warmth and heartfelt hospitality, Novotel Vijayawada Varun created a memorable beginning to the holiday season.


The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi Unveils ‘The Tree of Hope’ This Christmas

The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi Unveils ‘The Tree of Hope’ This Christmas

By Hariharan U

Published on December 9, 2025

The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi has welcomed the festive season with a thoughtful and inspiring showcase that reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. This year, the hotel introduced ‘The Tree of Hope’, a creative installation that blends conscious luxury with innovative design.

At The Leela, sustainability isn’t just a practice, it is woven into the guest experience, operations and community engagement. This philosophy shines through in the hotel’s festive décor for 2025.

The highlight of the celebrations is the impressive 80-ft façade Christmas tree, created using repurposed waste pipes and wires. Standing tall at the hotel’s exterior, the installation shows how everyday materials can be transformed into something elegant and meaningful through mindful design.

Inside the hotel, the centrepiece installation, The Tree of Hope, takes the concept further. Designed and built by the hotel’s in-house Engineering team, the structure uses reclaimed floorboards sourced from within the property. Each element reflects the hotel’s 15-year legacy, celebrating its journey while symbolising renewal and resilience.

Adding a personal and community-driven touch, all the festive ornaments have been handcrafted by local artisans. This collaboration brings authenticity to the décor and reinforces the hotel’s commitment to supporting local talent and promoting responsible sourcing.

Speaking about the initiative, Harkaran Singh, General Manager, said, “At #ThePrimeAddressofEastDelhi, we believe celebration must go beyond aesthetics to create impact. Our festive installations reflect our dedication to sustainable luxury, innovation and community engagement. Through these conscious creations, we hope to inspire our guests to celebrate with purpose and mindfulness.”

More than festive décor, these installations tell a powerful story of sustainability and creativity coming together. Guests are invited to see the season not only through its lights and colours, but through the values it represents, responsibility, innovation and care for the environment.

With The Tree of Hope, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel continues to set new standards in conscious hospitality, redefining how luxury hotels can celebrate the festive season with purpose and vision.

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