Excellent sustainability

InterContinental Berlin receives Green Key certificate

Berlin, April 10, 2024 – At InterContinental Berlin, sustainability isn’t merely seen as a trend but understood as an investment in the future. “Tomorrow concerns us all,” says General Manager Sebastian Germershausen, “as individuals and as a team. On this basis, we work to not only provide our guests with excellent service but also to enable a climate-friendly stay.” For its comprehensive commitment to environmental protection, the 5-star hotel has now received the prestigious Green Key certificate from the international Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

For the globally recognized award, comprehensive criteria in 13 areas must be met – from energy supply to water consumption to management. The holistic approach considers not only sustainability but also topics such as ecology, social aspects, and economics. The focus is not only on complying with the criteria catalog, recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), but also on long-term development towards climate neutrality. After receiving the certificate, hotels are regularly monitored in subsequent years to assess the continuous improvement of the sustainability concept.

The high standards in environmental protection, resource efficiency, and social responsibility at InterContinental Berlin are part of the “Journey to Tomorrow” program by IHG Hotels & Resorts. The group’s action plan aims to bring about positive changes over the next ten years, collectively preserving the beauty and diversity of the planet for future generations and promoting social justice. The implementation of the initiatives outlined there forms the basis for the now awarded commitment of InterContinental Berlin: minimizing waste generation, saving water, valuing employees of all genders and cultures, supporting communities, and responsibly managing resources and energy.

InterContinental Berlin has already implemented a variety of measures to significantly reduce environmental impact. The individual steps – such as the introduction of energy-saving lamps and energy-efficient appliances, the use of renewable energy, the reduction of single-use plastics, and collaboration with local manufacturers and producers – collectively make a significant difference. However, the luxury hotel also doesn’t shy away from major undertakings to make the future greener. With an investment of nearly 64 million by IHG® Hotels & Resorts and Union Investment, the Hotel InterContinental Berlin underwent extensive modernization until last summer. One focus was to increase the sustainability of the building and support climate-friendly hotel operations. Since the renovations, the building itself has helped to reduce electricity and water consumption and decrease CO2 emissions. For this, the luxury hotel was awarded the LEED Gold Award. The “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” certificate stands for excellence in ecological construction.

“The Green Key certificate is a recognition of our ongoing efforts for climate protection,” said Sebastian Germershausen, “at the same time, it brings new attention to this important issue and perhaps inspires others in the tourism industry to place sustainability more prominently in their corporate leadership.”