Why LEED v4.1 Certification Matters for Indian Hotels

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:

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.

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

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:

Incorporate Renewable Energy: Solar panels, wind turbines, and biogas plants can help hotels reduce reliance on nonrenewable resources.
Implement Efficient Water Management: Hotels can adopt rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems to conserve water.
Adopt Waste Management Systems: From recycling programs to composting, efficient waste management aligns with LEED goals and minimizes landfill waste.
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.

Suba Group Launches Click Collection Grand Getaway in Varanasi

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 23, 2024

The Suba Group of Hotels has announced the launch of its third property in Varanasi, the Click Collection Grand Getaway. This new addition boasts 40 exquisitely designed rooms, a 200-seater banquet hall, a rooftop restaurant, and a range of modern facilities, making it an ideal choice for both travelers and locals.

Mansur Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director of Suba Group of Hotels, emphasized the brand’s commitment to guest comfort during the launch. He remarked, “At Suba, we prioritize guest comfort above all. Over the years, we’ve built a strong connection with our patrons, who value the familiarity and convenience of our Click Hotels across India. The Click Collection Grand Getaway aims to deliver the same exceptional experience while also catering to the local community through its restaurant and banquet facilities, perfect for weddings and other events.”

Adding to this, Advt Mubeen Mehta, CEO of Suba Group of Hotels, highlighted the group’s rapid growth in Uttar Pradesh. “This is our third hotel in Varanasi and our nineteenth in the state, with plans for five more in the near future. While the city is witnessing rapid development, it remains a hub of art, culture, and education. Its rich heritage and vibrant academic landscape continue to attract tourists from around the world.”

The hotel’s standout feature is the 200-seater banquet hall, “Senate,” complemented by the “Imperial Lawn,” which can accommodate up to 800 guests, making it ideal for large-scale events and celebrations. For corporate travelers, the hotel offers a state-of-the-art boardroom designed to host up to 20 guests.

Chandrakant Shetty, Chief Operating Officer at Suba Group, elaborated on the group’s diverse hospitality solutions. “Suba Hotels is a dynamic and innovative hospitality chain operating across multiple business models, including ownership, leasing, revenue-sharing, and franchising. With a portfolio of seven brands—Suba, Click, GenX, RnB, and three Choice Hotels brands: Clarion, Quality, and Comfort—we have become India’s largest and fastest-growing mid and upper mid-segment hotel chain.”

Dining at the Click Collection Grand Getaway is a delight, with two distinct restaurant offerings. Cinnamon, the flagship restaurant, serves a range of exceptional dishes crafted by award-winning chefs, catering to both local and international tastes. Meanwhile, Skylit, the rooftop restaurant, offers a one-of-a-kind experience with breathtaking views of the city.

With this launch, the Suba Group continues to reinforce its position as a leader in the hospitality industry, combining comfort, convenience, and cutting-edge amenities to create memorable experiences for its guests.

Wyndham Expands Presence in India with Ramada Encore Openings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 23, 2024

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, has announced the opening of two new Ramada Encore hotels in India: Ramada Encore Bhiwadi and Ramada Encore Viramgam. These additions are part of Wyndham’s continued efforts to meet the growing demand for midscale accommodations in India, offering modern amenities and strategic locations.

Ramada Encore Bhiwadi: A Hub for Business and Leisure

Situated at Phool Bagh Chowk in Bhiwadi, this property is conveniently located 75 km from Delhi and 200 km from Jaipur, with easy access via National Highway 48. Designed to cater to today’s travelers, Ramada Encore Bhiwadi features 108 spacious rooms and a host of amenities, including:

An all-day dining restaurant and bar lounge
Fitness center and outdoor swimming pool
Banquet halls, meeting rooms, and a business center

Proprietor Bholanath R. Shukla expressed his enthusiasm:
"We are excited to open our hotel that is affiliated with the internationally recognized 'Ramada Encore' brand. Our hotel is well-positioned to offer extensive event space for corporate and social gatherings."

Ramada Encore Viramgam: Comfort Meets Functionality

Strategically located on Bechraji Road near key industrial zones like Sanand and Vitthalpur, Ramada Encore Viramgam offers 60 contemporary rooms designed for both business and leisure travelers. The property includes:

A fitness center and spa
Banquet and meeting spaces
An all-day dining restaurant and salon

Partner Bharatkumar Bhogilal Patel shared his vision:
"Today marks the beginning of a journey where we aspire to set new benchmarks in hospitality within this vibrant industrial zone."

Wyndham's Growing Footprint

Since the Ramada Encore brand debuted in India in 2013, it has expanded steadily to address the increasing demand for high-quality yet affordable accommodations. In 2024, Wyndham added five new Ramada Encore properties, bringing the total to 12 in India and Eurasia, including one in Nepal.

Dimitris Manikis, President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA, commented:
"India’s hospitality market is thriving, and Ramada Encore is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of modern travelers. These openings reflect Wyndham’s commitment to expanding its footprint in this dynamic market."

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

With approximately 9,200 hotels in over 95 countries, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is a global leader in the economy and midscale segments. The company operates a portfolio of 25 brands and offers the award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, which has 112 million enrolled members worldwide.

For more information about Wyndham and its new openings, visit wyndhamhotels.com.

Crowne Plaza Expands in Australia with New Openings in Adelaide and Sydney

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 22, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a remarkable milestone for its Crowne Plaza brand with the opening of two new properties in Australia—Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes and Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport. These openings mark the beginning of an ambitious expansion strategy, with three more Crowne Plaza hotels set to launch in the next 12 months.

Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes

Nestled in northern Adelaide, the Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes is part of a stunning seven-storey development. With 155 guest rooms, the property features artistic elements inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of South Australia.

Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including king and twin-share rooms, suites, and kitchenette-equipped options. Catering to both leisure and business travelers, the hotel offers 24-hour in-room dining and boasts more than 442m² of versatile event space, accommodating up to 250 guests for conferences, weddings, or special occasions.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport

The Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport has undergone a major transformation, following a $15 million refurbishment in 2022. The upgraded hotel now showcases a refreshed reception area and redesigned guestrooms aimed at providing a relaxing, restorative experience for travelers.

Guests can enjoy 24-hour room service, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a sauna, and event spaces that feature ample natural light and private bar facilities—perfect for hosting corporate gatherings or social events. Conveniently located near Sydney Airport, this property offers a seamless blend of comfort and functionality.

A Glimpse into the Future

IHG’s commitment to growth extends far beyond Australia, with over 90 Crowne Plaza hotels currently in the pipeline for the Asia-Pacific region. Upcoming launches include notable properties such as Crowne Plaza Bangkok Grand Sukhumvit and Crowne Plaza Bangkok Rama 9, further solidifying the brand’s footprint in Southeast Asia.

Additionally, IHG’s Vignette Collection continues to flourish with unique offerings such as the Shanghai Snow World Hotel—a 272-room property featuring direct access to a 90,000m² indoor snow area. This initiative showcases IHG’s focus on innovation and delivering one-of-a-kind experiences tailored to diverse traveler preferences.

Industry Insights

Commenting on the expansion, Tom Rowntree, Vice-President of IHG Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, shared, “The creation of the Vignette Collection brand has allowed us to grow a family of properties that offers guests one-of-a-kind experiences at hotels filled with individuality and character. The brand is a demonstration of both future innovation and hotels filled with rich history.”

The growth of Crowne Plaza in Australia underscores IHG’s broader strategy to cater to the evolving needs of travelers in the Asia-Pacific region, blending modern amenities with local cultural nuances.

As IHG continues to break new ground, the future of hospitality looks promising with properties that not only celebrate individuality but also push the boundaries of guest experiences

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