Sustainability InterContinental Cartagena
At the InterContinental Cartagena Hotel, we are committed to integrating sustainability into every aspect of our operation. We recognize the importance of caring for the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting responsible economic practices. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, our initiatives are designed to create a lasting positive impact. Below is an overview of our actions in three key areas: environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic sustainability.
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Friendly Biz Certified: Diversity and Inclusion
At the InterContinental Cartagena Hotel, we are proud to hold the Friendly Biz certification, awarded by the Chamber of Diversity, reflecting our commitment to inclusion and respect.
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Fundación Indhyluna
Our Concierge Lounge is a platform for local talent in the region, where we support initiatives such as Indhyluna.
Efficient Energy Savings Program
We are the first hotel in the city to innovate for energy efficiency and CO2 emission reduction through the energy monitoring, savings, and efficiency project with Veolia.
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Separation of solid waste
In our production areas, we properly separate the waste we generate, which is later collected by a solidarity-based recycling organization that operates as a foundation. All materials that can no longer be used by the hotel (paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, cans, etc.) go through a recycling process with source separation and are mostly handed over to our supplier, who ensures they are given a new useful life. (SDGs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17)
Internship Agreement with Fundación Aluna
The hotel has established an agreement with the ALUNA Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with cognitive and multiple disabilities, promoting respect for their dignity and inclusion through a specialized pedagogical model.
Alliance for Training in Cartagena IHG Skills Academy
Through the Journey to Tomorrow program, we have formed a partnership with the Centro Colombo Americano Fundación Universitaria Colombo Internacional (UNICOLOMBO) and the Formación Humana para la Enseñanza y el Servicio (FHES) to guarantee access to the 'IHG Skills Academy' learning platform, a free resource now available to their students.
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We support the Fundación Alimentar Colombia
At the InterContinental Cartagena Hotel, we are committed to the work of the Alimentar Colombia Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the physical, emotional, and social development of children and their families in extreme poverty.
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Bulk Amenities in the rooms
At the Intercontinental Cartagena Hotel, we have implemented new practices aimed at reducing our environmental impact, thus contributing to the reduction of our carbon footprint and preserving the oceans and marine life.
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Efficient Water Usage
As part of our Integrated Direction Policy, we have developed the "Water Use Efficiency" sustainability program, led by the Housekeeping and Maintenance departments.
Más InformaciónAt the Hotel, we recognize the positive impact of proper waste management in mitigating environmental pollution. That’s why we have implemented the "10 Rs of Recycling":
- Reorganize: We promote sustainable practices among our suppliers, aligning products and packaging with this goal.
- Reformulate: We bottle water with Purezza to avoid single-use plastics.
- Reduce: We minimize plastic waste by eliminating bottles and adopting bulk amenities.
- Reuse: We reuse bottles and encourage efficient paper use in all areas.
- Remanufacture: Used vegetable oil is given to Reaceico, which converts it into biodiesel.
- Recycle: Waste is separated and recycled with CORECA to give it a new purpose.
- Revalue: CORECA transforms plastic waste into new industrial products.
- Redesign: Bulk amenities replace single-use plastics in our rooms.
- Reward: We prioritize suppliers with sustainable initiatives.
- Renew: Materials like cardboard are repurposed into recycling containers.
Through these actions, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. ( ODS 12,13,14)
Replacement of plastic bottles with reusable Purezza glass bottles, reducing plastic waste and contributing to the local recycling system. (SDGs 12, 13, 14)
At the InterContinental Cartagena Hotel, we have received the NTS TS 002 and NTC 5133 certifications from ICONTEC for our commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. These certifications, awarded by the Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and Certification, indicate that we meet important standards in environmental, social, and economic areas. The NTS TS 002 standard focuses on sustainability in destination management, while the NTC 5133 sets criteria for the environmental seal in hotels. By adopting sustainable practices in our operations, we have reduced our environmental impact and supported local development, providing our guests with an experience that respects the surroundings. (ODS 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17)
At the hotel, we have stopped using plastic key cards in the rooms, opting for an eco-friendly bamboo alternative, making each stay a more conscious and environmentally respectful experience. This change represents a significant transition in the city and the country’s hospitality industry towards reducing the use of harmful plastics. (ODS 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
Green Engage is an innovative program that allows IHG to design, build, and manage even more sustainable hotels. The advanced online system enables individual hotels to measure the environmental impact of their daily operations. For example, hotels in Green Engage track real energy, water, and waste usage according to hotel occupancy, and the program generates recommended actions to make our property even more sustainable. Green Engage helps our hotels reduce energy consumption by up to 25% per year. (ODS 7, 11, 12, 13)
At InterContinental Cartagena, we are committed to communities and their growth. Over the past three years, we have had 41 career promotions within the organization, providing development and opportunities for our employees.
We work in partnership with PeskaoCaribe, an organization that brings together six associations of artisanal fishermen from Bolívar, Sucre, and Córdoba, who are our suppliers of fish. This collaboration allows us to contribute to the development of coastal communities, improve the living conditions of fishermen, and promote ethical and sustainable business practices. Additionally, we aim to preserve the traditional knowledge of artisanal fishing, thereby revaluing the cultural intangibles that are an essential part of our region.
At InterContinental Cartagena, we collaborate with public entities to strengthen initiatives that address the reduction of inequalities and support vulnerable communities. Through recurring events, such as the celebration of community kitchens and various actions in partnership with the Social Emergency Plan, we have made a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most, promoting social well-being and the integral development of our city and community.