Plans for what has been claimed to be the first 100 per cent green hotel have been unveiled by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).

According to the company, its Innovation Hotel will pave the way for other establishments to incorporate more eco-friendly features into their operations.

Among the features of the concept hotel is the eradication of non-perishable food wastage, roof solar panels for water heating, a rainwater harvesting system, a roof garden, the use of wind power to generate electricity and recycled glass windows.

Furniture and fittings entirely constructed from recycled materials will also feature in the hotel, as well as the use of household waste to generate heat and power.

'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," said David Jerome of IHG.

Ways in which holidaymakers can minimise their impact on the environment when abroad include getting around on bike, foot or public transport wherever possible, only using air conditioning and other electric-powered facilities when needed and purchasing local food, according to Carbon Footprint.

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