KUALA LUMPUR, 14 May 2024 – InterContinental Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s leading business luxury hotel, engages sustainable energy with the installation of solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) parking bays in line with its 10-year “Journey to Tomorrow” pledge, reaffirming its unwavering dedication to sustainability and ecological responsibility within the hospitality industry.
With the hotel sector accounting for around 1% of global carbon emissions, InterContinental Kuala Lumpur acknowledges the importance of playing its part in protecting our planet for the future. “We set out to capture one of Kuala Lumpur’s most abundant natural resources, sunlight, to supplement a portion of the hotel’s energy consumption. This initiative also supports IHG Hotels and Resorts’ ‘Journey To Tomorrow’, in terms of reducing our energy use and carbon emissions in line with climate science”, says Matthew Everson, General Manager.
Being one of the first luxury 5-star hotels in the Kuala Lumpur city area to implement renewable energy, the hotel is committed to powering up various areas of the hotel via solar initiatives, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing the impact of climate change, in an era where environmental consciousness is crucial.
The installation of state-of-the-art solar panels atop the port cochere in November 2023 marks a groundbreaking step for the hotel towards harnessing renewable energy for a greener future. The hotel’s Chief Engineer, Mr Najibul Hilmi, also a Certified Energy Manager and Registered Electrical Energy Manager, proudly heads this initiative by overseeing the installation of the 90 photovoltaic (PV) panels spanning 431 sq meters of area space.
Gavin Rupert, Hotel Manager, states “Upon commissioning of the panels, which have been installed for six months now, the hotel has successfully reduced 7.8 tonnes of carbon emission, equivalent to planting 200 trees, and has generated enough power to power up 6 houses for a year”. *as of May 2024
Over the years, Malaysia has witnessed a quick transition to electric vehicles, and shortly, the need for this green sustainable alternative will only increase. Foreseeing this evolving need, the hotel aims to prioritise guest experience and satisfaction by providing ease and modern convenience for guests with Electric Vehicles, by installing EV chargers at the porte cochere. This will allow guests to enjoy unparalleled hospitality without range anxiety, while promoting awareness of the importance of clean energy.
InterContinental Kuala Lumpur’s commitment to sustainability and ecological responsibility continues to drive its decisions for the betterment of its communities and environment. By harnessing solar energy and providing electric vehicle charging facilities, the hotel is taking significant steps towards reducing its carbon footprint and promoting the use of clean energy. The hotel’s 10-year ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ action plan is a testament to its unwavering dedication to environmental and social governance in the hospitality industry.
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