Plugging into carbon reduction: InterContinental Madrid hotel

LOS ANGELES, California – The General Manager of InterContinental Madrid since 2010, Mr.

LOS ANGELES, California – The General Manager of InterContinental Madrid since 2010, Mr. Manrique Rodríguez, has aimed to achieve environmental goals for the InterContinental Madrid hotel that will improve its status as a green property.

InterContinental Madrid is delighted to announce that the hotel has received Green Globe certification for the second year in a row.

During 2015, the hotel established clear goals and measures to become more environmentally and sustainably responsible. As a result, InterContinental Madrid has achieved an energy reduction of 6% per occupied room, water consumption decreased by 4%, a drop of 9% in gas usage and a carbon footprint reduction of 5%.


Staff have committed to establishing a Green Engage Committee where they are informed about energy usage variations in different departments and can share best practices and ideas. The Green Engage team of managers are also members of the Green Team so knowledge regarding all sustainable measures implemented at the hotel is disseminated and discussed at meetings.

One of the latest initiatives at the hotel was to promote the use of electric cars, providing chargers on a complimentary basis for guests.

Mr. Rodríguez said: “It is important to use new technologies and activate an action plan focused on Co2 emissions reduction and its terrible effect on climatic change. It is important to work with our staff to make them aware of how our actions affect the environment”.

InterContinental Madrid organized a visit by employees to Valdemingómez, a major recycling plant in Madrid Technology Park to raise awareness about environmental issues. Staff were educated about different recycling procedures and the ecological importance of the hotel’s commitment to recycling.

Last year as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programs, the hotel participated in social initiatives where donations were made to several charitable organizations. Mattresses, pillows, tableware and uniforms are frequently changed at the five-star property. Items that are no longer in use are donated to different charities where they can be utilized rather than simply being thrown away. In addition, as part of another CSR project, staff collected and delivered toys to young children at a local charity center at Christmas time.

Much more than a hotel, InterContinental Madrid offers a complete way of life in the most sophisticated and elegant setting in the Spanish capital. It is located on the prestigious Paseo de la Castellana, close to Real Madrid Stadium and Serrano street shopping area and the “Art Triangle” – the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen Museums.

The hotel boasts an exclusive Club Lounge, El Jardín Restaurant, 15 versatile meeting rooms with a terrace and 302 rooms that combine comfort and elegance, including 33 Suites for those looking for the utmost privacy. For more information, visit madrid.intercontinental.com.

Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Green Globe is a member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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