The solar powered “Innovation Hotel” - which is the brainchild of the InterContinental Hotels Group - outlines the latest technology in energy and water conservation and recycling. The ‘green' features of the futuristic hotel include, among others: q The forwarding of all unused non-perishable food to charities or food banks q Solar panels on the roof to heat water q A rainwater harvesting system to supply water to toilets q A roof garden rich in shrubbery to provide extra insulation q Windpower to generate electricity for the hotel q Recycled glass windows q Furniture and fittings made entirely from recycled materials q And household waste to provide heat and power Hotel chiefs said the Innovation Hotel's features could be earmarked as standard across all IHG brands within the next few years. The virtual property has been put on the company website to get guests views on its features. Senior vice president of corporate responsibility at IHG, David Jerome, said: ‘'People who do their bit for the environment when they're at home are likely to be interested in doing the same when they're staying in a hotel." "Responsible tourism is about growing in a way that makes sense for business while managing our impact on the environment and community. We want to know what ‘green' features are important to guests before making them part of brand standards. This gives them a chance to weigh in with their ideas.” The first inkling a guest will get of the Innovation Hotel's green attributes is the green roof - planted with low-maintenance plants - which improves the thermal performance of the hotel and helps keep it cool in warm weather and insulate it in winter. The plants and thin layer of soil work like a sound barrier, particularly when they're wet, helping to reduce noise pollution. Other environmental benefits include improvements to air quality, biodiversity and storm water run off. Natural lava stone signage at the entrance and on the lawns replaces traditional plastic and metal signs. All the furniture in the reception is made from recycled material and all the paper used by the receptionists will also be recycled. __
