The IGBC Green Hospitality Summit 2026 brought together key stakeholders from India’s hospitality, infrastructure and sustainability sectors in Kolkata to discuss pathways for building a greener and more resilient tourism ecosystem. Organized by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the summit was held on 29 May 2026 at Taj City Centre, Newtown, under the theme “Sustainable Hospitality: Enabling Net Zero, Resilient & Experiential Infrastructure.” Discussions focused on net zero buildings, sustainable design, water and energy management, ESG-led development, green technologies and operational excellence. IGBC highlighted that it has registered more than 310 hospitality projects covering 92.86 million sq. ft., including 120 certified projects, while West Bengal accounts for over 15 registered projects spanning 5.44 million sq. ft.
Addressing attendees, Mr. Harshvardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group, Chairman, CII Suresh Neotia Centre of Excellence for Leadership, said, “Climate change is one of the most critical challenges our generation is facing, and the hospitality sector has a significant responsibility in shaping a more sustainable future. Sustainability must become an integral part of how we design, build and operate hospitality assets. We need to place the planet first, followed by people and performance, while recognising that profits are a natural outcome of responsible business practices. By intelligently leveraging technology, embracing renewable energy sources, creating nature-integrated spaces, promoting biodiversity, adopting eco-friendly materials, and strengthening collaboration across stakeholders through platforms like IGBC Green Hospitality Summit, the industry can redefine guest experiences while reducing its environmental footprint. Resorts and hotels have immense potential to become living examples of sustainable development through green landscapes, organic cultivation, microclimate enhancement, and resource-efficient operations. If we focus on doing our duty towards the environment and society, the results will follow. Meaningful transformation will require collective commitment and sustained efforts from all stakeholders to lead the hospitality sector towards a greener and more resilient future.” Speaking on the sector’s evolution, Mr Sushil Mohta emphasized the growing importance of sustainability, operational efficiency and guest experience, noting that sustainability credentials are increasingly influencing traveller decisions and strengthening market preference for responsible hospitality.
Setting the direction for the event, Ar. Vivek Singh Rathore highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s hospitality sector and the need to align that growth with climate resilience and resource efficiency. He noted that the IGBC Green Hotels Rating System supports sustainability throughout the lifecycle of hospitality projects, from planning and design through construction and operations. The summit featured panel discussions on the convergence of design, experience and sustainability, as well as operational challenges linked to water and energy use in HVAC systems, kitchens and laundry facilities. Technical sessions examined decarbonization strategies, renewable energy integration, smart automation, water efficiency and sustainable materials. Through the IGBC Green Hospitality Summit, industry experts shared case studies and implementation approaches aimed at reducing emissions and improving ESG performance across hospitality assets.
The event concluded with the “Walking the Talks” Awards, recognizing organizations that have demonstrated leadership in green building practices and sustainable hospitality. Thirteen hotels received recognition for adopting IGBC green building concepts, including Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, InterGlobe Hotels Pvt Ltd./ IBIS Portfolio, Kolkata Hotels Ltd. – Holiday Inn Express Kolkata Airport and Pravat Hospitality Pvt Ltd. The awards acknowledged efforts to reduce environmental impact while enhancing guest experience through sustainable infrastructure and operations.