Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay Becomes IHG’s First Low Carbon Pioneer Hotel in Asia

Leading the Way in Sustainable Hospitality

Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay has set a new benchmark in Asia's hospitality sector by becoming the first hotel in the region to join IHG Hotel & Resorts’ Low Carbon Pioneer programme. This initiative highlights properties that prioritize energy efficiency, operate without onsite fossil fuel combustion, and utilize renewable energy sources.

Since its debut in 2014, the hotel has incorporated numerous eco-conscious design elements. These include a fully electric kitchen, heat pumps for hot water, state-of-the-art water-saving fixtures, and an advanced building management system that ensures energy use is optimized while maintaining guest comfort. Notably, features like solar glazing and dynamic lighting controls enhance natural daylight usage, further reducing electricity demand.

Certifications and Awards Recognizing Sustainability

The hotel boasts GSTC certification, a respected global standard for sustainability in tourism. Its environmental efforts were recently honored with the 2025 Singapore Hotel Sustainability Award by the Singapore Hotel Association. Additionally, the hotel earned the Water Efficient Building Certification from PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, underscoring its commitment to sustainable practices.

Collaborative Sustainability Efforts in Singapore

The rise of sustainable tourism in Singapore is supported by coordinated efforts among businesses, trade groups, and government bodies. The Singapore Hotel Association, in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board, launched the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap to support the nation's Green Plan 2030. Goals include having 60% of hotels certified under internationally recognized sustainability standards by 2025 and achieving net-zero emissions in the hotel industry by 2050.

IHG has embraced these initiatives with vigor. Alongside the Low Carbon Pioneer status granted to Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay, IHG also plans to achieve a “zero-energy” certification for its upcoming Hotel Indigo Changi Airport, expected to open in 2028.

Industry Leaders Speak Out

Kishin RK, Founder and CEO of RB Capital Group, which owns the hotel, emphasized the importance of integrating carbon reduction in hotel management. He noted the efforts taken not only at Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay but also in other properties like InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay and Holiday Inn Singapore Little India. Kishin highlighted that sustainable business practices are becoming essential for future-proofing assets and balancing operational performance with environmental responsibility.

Vivek Bhalla, Managing Director for South East Asia & Korea at IHG Hotels & Resorts, welcomed the property’s inclusion in the Low Carbon Pioneer programme, seeing it as a significant milestone in IHG’s comprehensive sustainability journey under its Journey to Tomorrow business plan. He expressed optimism that these efforts would inspire other hotels in the region to ramp up their sustainability initiatives.

Understanding the Low Carbon Pioneer Programme

IHG’s Low Carbon Pioneers programme identifies hotel properties with exemplary achievements in minimizing carbon footprints through efficient operations and renewable energy use. These hotels function as testbeds and showcase examples of sustainable hospitality, sharing insights across the IHG portfolio. Membership in the programme offers hotel owners benefits such as access to green financing options, smoother regulatory compliance, and appeal to environmentally conscious guests and corporate clients alike.

Key Features of a Low Carbon Pioneer Hotel

Brief History of Sustainable Tourism in Hospitality

The concept of sustainability in tourism has steadily gained momentum over the past few decades. Originally rooted in environmental conservation and reducing resource waste, it has evolved into a comprehensive approach encompassing energy efficiency, water conservation, and social responsibility. While the hotel industry has traditionally been energy-intensive, major brands increasingly invest in green technologies and certifications to align with global climate goals and meet the expectations of the conscientious traveler.

Singapore itself has emerged as a regional hub for sustainable tourism, with its Green Plan 2030 aiming to transform the city-state into a leader in low carbon tourism practices. The synergy between government agendas and private enterprise has accelerated adoption of eco-friendly practices, providing a replicable model for other destinations.

The Rise of Low Carbon Tourism

Low carbon tourism focuses on minimizing greenhouse gas emissions associated with travel, accommodation, and activities. It incorporates choices like public or shared transport, energy-efficient lodging, and experiences that contribute to environmental preservation. Industry reports forecast a growing demand for eco-certified accommodations as travelers become more aware of their environmental footprint. Yet, challenges remain, including higher upfront costs and the need for collective action among stakeholders worldwide.

Implications for the Future of Tourism

Efforts like those at Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay can inspire larger-scale shifts in how hotels operate globally. Sustainable accommodations are primed to attract not only environmentally conscious tourists but also corporate clients increasingly embedding sustainability into their sourcing policies. This transition supports a more resilient, climate-friendly tourism sector ready to face future environmental challenges.

Conclusion: Sustainable Stays by the Waterfront

As Asia’s first IHG Low Carbon Pioneer hotel, Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay demonstrates how environmental responsibility and hospitality excellence can sail hand-in-hand. With its suite of innovative energy-saving features, green certifications, and alignment with national sustainability goals, it stands as a beacon of progress. The collaborative efforts by government, industry leaders, and forward-thinking companies are setting a course toward greener, more sustainable tourism.

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