Environmentally Friendly InterContinental Hotel Uses 100 Percent Renewable Energy

Chicagoland’s new eco-savvy and luxury destination hotel, the 556-room InterContinental Chicago O’Hare, is going above and beyond in its quest to lighten businesses’ impact on the environment.

Not only does the sophisticated, design-forward property utilize 100% renewable energy credits from wind, but the InterContinental Chicago O’Hare also features a green roof, recycles all materials used throughout its hotel and convention area, and helps businesses and organizations support sustainability with its “Green Meetings” program.

“The InterContinental Chicago O’Hare is dedicated to significantly lessening our carbon footprint on the earth, as well as raising awareness in our community about the importance of preserving our natural resources,” said David Hall, general manager of the InterContinental Chicago O’Hare. A contemporary destination for business and leisure travelers alike that opened September 8, 2008, the property is managed by Portfolio Hotels and Resorts, which also operates one of the first LEED-certified hotels in the U.S.

Eco-savvy measures include:

• Utilizing 100% Renewable Energy Credits from wind via Constellation New Energy in Baltimore, MD. This is equal to saving more than 390,000 gallons of gasoline annually and removing 631 cars from the road.
• Lighting costs cut approximately 40% by using compact fluorescent light bulbs, dimmable fluorescent bulbs, and LED lights.
• Property-wide recycling of all glass, paper, cardboard, batteries, aluminum, and compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Green roof is covered with a reflective coating that significantly cuts down the building’s cooling costs, and will be home to drought-resistant plants.
• Biodegradable water bottles made from corn are placed in guest rooms and available for group meetings and events.
• Management and associates are committed to the hotel’s “I CARE” program (“I Care, I Conserve and I replenish the Earth”), a partnership with the local community to create awareness of energy efficiency and the environment.
• “Green Meeting Package” - Meeting and event planners can participate by selecting organic and sustainable local meals, recycled paper and pencils, LCD projectors, biodegradable water bottles, and other amenities.