IHG will participate in the hotel industry's Carbon Measurement Working Group to agree one common methodology for calculating carbon footprints and communicating emissions.

The industry initiative is being coordinated by the International Tourism Partnership (ITP) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and it will help hotel guests and corporate clients understand the potential carbon footprint of their hotel stay, meeting or event.

IHG has a history of leadership in this area having initiated a Cornell University study to help facilitate this discussion around carbon measurement. The company is also continuing to invest in its industry leading Green Engage online programme that allows hotels to measure manage and report their environmental impacts.

"There is no consistency in how hotels calculate and communicate carbon emissions currently so the work of the industry to standardise its practices will provide clarity to guests and corporate clients who want to understand the environmental impact of the hotels they stay in," said David Jerome, IHG's Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility. He added that, "IHG is keen to create more sustainable hotels in the 21st century and we're working collaboratively with our hotel owners on creative solutions for the future."

IHG is focused on smart green hotel design, construction and operations and recently released an enhanced Green Engage Version 2.0. Originally launched in late 2009, the online Green Engage programme takes guest experience and return on investment into account as it helps hotels reduce their environmental impact while managing costs.

Green Engage is available to all of IHG's 4,400 hotels, across its seven brands including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and InterContinental. IHG now has more than 1000 hotels registered for Green Engage and expects to grow this user base throughout 2011. To learn more about IHG's approach to carbon management and Green Engage view our Corporate Responsibility report online at www.ihg.com/responsibility