InterContinental Hotels Group sustainability score: 37/100

IHG discloses Scope 1 (359,300 tCO2e) and Scope 2 market-based (2,187,060 tCO2e) for FY2024 with third-party limited assurance. However, Scope 2 coverage across 6,629 hotels is partly estimated rather than metered, and Scope 3 franchises reporting covers only 2 of 15 GHG Protocol categories.

IHG reports FY2024 Scope 3 at 3,996,798 tCO2e but covers only 2 of 15 GHG Protocol categories—primarily franchise energy (85% of reported Scope 3). Purchased goods, business travel, capital goods, and food procurement are unmapped. Supplier engagement via EcoVadis (123 suppliers, 2023) and HARP membership exist, but full value chain methodology and reduction tracking are absent.

Absolute total emissions rose from 6,245,072 tCO2e (2019) to 6,582,083 tCO2e (2024) to 6,723,559 tCO2e (2025), a 7.7% increase. IHG's CSO confirmed the company will not meet its 46% absolute reduction 2030 target. An 11.5% per-room intensity improvement does not offset rising total emissions under SINK rules.

IHG's franchise model means central energy procurement control is minimal across ~6,700 hotels. A Community Solar programme and Low Carbon Pioneers programme (under 10 properties as of March 2025) exist. No portfolio-wide renewable percentage is disclosed. Identical Scope 2 location-based and market-based figures suggest limited renewable procurement at scale.

IHG has mapped biodiversity risk via the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool and includes biodiversity sections in its Environment Policy (2023). Conservation initiatives are encouraged. However, no quantified nature footprint, TNFD-aligned disclosure, or verified deforestation-free commitment has been published.

IHG's Journey to Tomorrow includes minimal-waste commitments and plastic bottle elimination in European guest rooms. An IHG Sustainable Supplier Questionnaire exists (342 suppliers completed in 2023, 44% awarded 'Green supplier' status). However, no portfolio-wide waste tonnage data or circular economy metrics are published, and verified reduction targets are not confirmed.

IHG tracks water consumption via IHG Green Engage with third-party limited assurance (ISAE 3000) for FY2024. Brand standards include high-efficiency fixtures. Water risk has been mapped with the Water Footprint Network. Specific FY2024 consumption totals and year-on-year reduction figures are not in publicly accessible summaries; no quantified targets with verified outcomes confirmed.

IHG's SBTi near-term target (46% absolute reduction by 2030 from 2019 baseline) is documented but absolute emissions have risen 7.2–7.7%. IHG's CSO confirmed the company will not meet the target; a review is planned for 2026. Intensity improvements (11.5% per room) are not acceptable substitutes under SINK rules.

IHG has a Chief Sustainability Officer, board-level Responsible Business Committee, and links sustainability to GM long-term incentive plans. Annual Responsible Business Report (February 2025), CDP integrated questionnaire, and third-party assurance (carbon, water, communities) are published. IHG transparently discloses it will not meet its 2030 target. TCFD/CSRD alignment is in-progress.

No upheld environmental regulatory actions or credible NGO climate controversies found. US lobbying spend ($320,000 in 2024) is modest with no climate-specific opposition evidence; CEO publicly called for renewable infrastructure support. Deduction applied for rising absolute emissions while promoting 'climate science-aligned' credentials and announcing target review for 2026.