Sustainable events are no longer just a trend—they’re a business necessity. Attendees are increasingly mindful of their environmental footprint, while organizations are aligning events with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals: reducing emissions, minimizing waste, supporting local communities, and operating with transparency.
For planners, good intentions aren’t enough. They need partners who can help bring sustainable events to life. That’s where IHG comes in.
Meeting for Good: A Built-In Advantage
Meeting for Good is available at hotels in more than 60 countries—over 15% of IHG’s global estate—and is backed by the company’s 10-year Journey to Tomorrow plan. It offers planners a practical way to align events with corporate values and sustainability goals, with minimal lift on their end.
The program is built around 11 required sustainability actions in three areas:
- Hotel Practices: Linen and towel reuse programs, digital contracts and collateral, LED lighting, low-flow fixtures, and energy tracking through IHG’s Green Engage platform. Each hotel is assigned annual reduction targets and incentivized for performance.
- Meeting & Event Spaces: Plastic water bottles are replaced with dispensers or pitchers, HVAC and lighting are reduced outside event hours, signage is digital or reusable, and single-use items like pens and notepads are removed.
- Food & Beverage: At least one menu must be vegetarian, vegan, plant‑based, or locally sourced. Bulk service ware and clearly labeled food options help reduce waste.
Hotels must actively enroll, meet the criteria, and demonstrate alignment with program standards. Planners can book with confidence, knowing the groundwork is already done.
Global Standards, Local Impact
Meeting for Good aligns with the Events Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Standards and many hotels go further:
- Six Senses and Iberostar integrate biodiversity protection and local partnerships.
- InterContinental New York Barclay maintains a rooftop garden with active beehives and supports reforestation through 1 Guest 1 Tree Planted.
- Kimpton Hotels emphasize wellness and locally sourced options.
- Holiday Inn offers group linen-reuse options and refillable water stations.
Innovation in Action
IHG’s Low Carbon Pioneers are select hotels operating without on-site fossil fuel combustion (except minimal backup use) and powered by renewable energy. Many hold certifications such as Green Key, LEED, BREEAM, or EDGE, and use IHG’s Green Engage system to track emissions and energy performance—proving sustainability and operational excellence can go hand in hand.
The Bigger Picture
Launched in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, IHG’s 10‑year Journey to Tomorrow plan sets ambitious targets: cut carbon emissions in half by 2030, eliminate single-use items or switch to reusable or recyclable alternatives, and improve the lives of 30 million people globally. Programs like Meeting for Good bring these commitments to life, alongside initiatives like Greener Stay, which conserves water and energy while rewarding guests with loyalty points.
Why It Matters
Planners are expected to deliver more than logistics—they’re responsible for purpose, transparency, and measurable impact. Choosing a Meeting for Good hotel provides verified frameworks, clear sustainability actions, and a trusted global standard.
Sustainability isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a competitive advantage.
Learn more at ihg.com/meetingforgood.
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