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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.
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:
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.
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.
Materials and Resources: Hotels must adopt a “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” approach, ensuring that building materials are sustainable, reusable, and sourced responsibly.
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.
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.
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, 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:
Radisson Blu Bengaluru’s commitment to sustainability demonstrates the significant operational benefits and community impact a hotel can achieve by aligning with LEED standards.
For other hotels in India, the LEED v4.1 framework provides actionable steps toward sustainability:
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.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on June 4, 2025
This World Environment Day, ITC Maratha, Mumbai, reaffirms its commitment to sustainable luxury by receiving the prestigious LEED Zero Water Certification, a milestone that cements its place among the world’s most environmentally conscious hospitality destinations.
Part of ITC Hotels, one of the largest and greenest hotel chains globally, ITC Maratha was also awarded the LEED Zero Carbon Certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), highlighting its long-standing commitment to responsible operations and sustainable innovation.
Sustainability at ITC Maratha has gone beyond concept to become a core value over the past decade. Guests experience a blend of indulgence and responsibility through features like Green Banquets, carbon-neutral meetings, and Sunya Aqua, a zero-mile water initiative that purifies and bottles water on-site.
ITC Maratha sources organic and local ingredients, reducing food miles and supporting farmers via its Local Love program. An on-site biogas plant handles over 100,000 kg of organic waste annually, generating clean energy and reducing landfill burden.
The hotel now operates with over 80% of its energy sourced from renewables, including wind farms, and implements 100% rainwater harvesting. Its efficient water systems allow it to use 47% less water than the USGBC benchmark, while reducing water wastage by 70% through advanced filtration technology.
ITC Maratha has also made a complete shift away from single-use plastics, offering bamboo toothbrushes, wooden cutlery, and other eco-conscious alternatives. The hotel provides 30% more fresh air than global indoor standards, and actively enhances biodiversity with native plants that help cool surrounding urban zones.
This World Environment Day, ITC Maratha exemplifies how green practices and luxurious hospitality can coexist, making sustainability not just a goal, but a way of life.
Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, has signed a new hotel in Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. The upcoming Cygnett Park Itanagar is located just 800 metres from the Donyi Polo Airport, making it a convenient destination for both leisure and business travellers. This will be Cygnett’s second hotel in the city and is expected to open in less than two years.
The move marks a significant step in Cygnett’s Northeast expansion journey. With four operational hotels and eight more in development across the region, the group is now steadily progressing towards a 600-key portfolio in Northeast India.
“The Indian government’s focused investments in Northeast infrastructure—highways, rail, and telecom—are changing the region’s prospects. Business sentiment is up, and we’re seeing balanced demand across leisure, business, MICE, and weddings,” said Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.
Spread over two acres, Cygnett Park Itanagar will offer 100 rooms, over 6,000 sq. ft. of banqueting space, and an adjoining lawn, perfect for events and social functions. Guests can also look forward to an array of upscale amenities including an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop speciality restaurant, club lounge, swimming pool, spa, gym, and recreation zones.
Designed as a refreshing urban resort, the hotel embraces sustainable architecture and wellness-centric design, in line with the Cygnett Park brand ethos: Green, Refreshing, and Wellness-focused.
“Cygnett Park Itanagar will be a serene getaway that blends urban comfort with the natural charm of the region,” added Mr. Sarkar.
Located near popular attractions like Ita Fort, Ganga Lake, Gompa Mandir, and Jawaharlal Nehru Museum, the hotel also holds tourism appeal beyond business.
As part of its broader growth plan, Cygnett aims to open 10-12 properties annually, working towards becoming a 100+ hotel group nationwide in the years to come.
Turyaa Chennai, a five-star deluxe hotel under the Aitken Spence Hotels banner, has officially completed a decade of hospitality excellence. Launched in 2015 and located along Chennai’s bustling IT expressway, the hotel has become a landmark for business travellers, global visitors, and the local community alike.
Conceptualized by the late Deshamanya D.H.S. Jayawardena, the hotel was born from his belief that Indian soil could be a home for Aitken Spence’s hallmark warmth and global standards. A decade later, that legacy continues to shine through every guest experience, every team member’s passion, and every milestone achieved.
To mark this special 10-year anniversary, Turyaa Chennai rolled out a month-long celebration. Events included religious blessings, a dinner for loyal guests and partners, team member awards, and culinary showcases that honoured the hotel’s deep South Indian and Sri Lankan heritage.
Beyond the festivities, the hotel reaffirmed its commitment to community and inclusivity by donating wheelchairs to Tamil Nadu Railways—a thoughtful step towards improving accessibility for all. This meaningful gesture reflects the enduring values of Aitken Spence and the compassionate spirit of its founder.
“Today, as we celebrate ten years, we’re not just marking an anniversary—we’re celebrating values, people, and the vibrant spirit of connection that makes Turyaa so special. We are grateful to Chennai for embracing us as one of their own,” said Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson, Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC.
Over the years, Turyaa Chennai has welcomed world travellers, business leaders, celebrities, and loyal local patrons. With 140+ rooms and suites, vibrant dining venues, expansive event spaces, and a rooftop leisure zone, the hotel has carved a distinctive niche in Chennai’s hospitality landscape.
Looking ahead, Turyaa Chennai is set to deepen its focus on renewable energy, eliminating single-use plastics, promoting community-driven tourism, and using digital innovation to personalise guest stays—continuing its journey with sustainability and care at the core.
As Turyaa Chennai turns 10, it celebrates not just the past—but the people, progress, and purpose that define its future.
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