Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. has announced a major milestone in its ESG journey by achieving 100% green building certification across its portfolio of 41 owned hotels. Additionally, the company has reached a 50% renewable energy usage exit rate as of March 31, 2026. This dual accomplishment highlights the company’s sustained focus on responsible growth and strengthens its leadership in advancing sustainability within India’s hospitality sector.
The Indian Green Building Council, a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry, has certified these hotels under multiple parameters, including sustainable architecture and design, site planning, water conservation, energy efficiency, building materials, indoor environmental quality, and innovation.
Since 2012, the company has consistently followed a design-first sustainability strategy by developing all owned hotels in line with IGBC green building standards. Consequently, it has ensured the seamless integration of energy efficiency, water stewardship, sustainable materials, and reduced environmental impact across its portfolio while complying with regulatory frameworks. Currently, the portfolio includes 2 platinum-certified hotels, 22 gold-certified hotels, 6 silver-certified hotels, and 11 certified-level properties.
Moreover, the company’s transition to 50% renewable energy usage reflects a broader structural shift in the hospitality industry. Businesses now prioritize energy sourcing, operational efficiency, and long-term cost optimization as essential components of resilience, rather than treating sustainability as a secondary objective.
Speaking on the achievement, Neelendra Singh, managing director & CEO of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd., said, “The hospitality industry is at an inflection point where sustainability must move beyond intent to measurable action at scale. Our journey towards a fully green-certified owned portfolio and increased reliance on renewable energy reflects a long-term, design-led approach to building future-ready hotels. This achievement demonstrates that large-scale portfolio transformation to green-certified assets is both viable and commercially scalable, redefining how hotel companies can approach growth, development, and operations in an increasingly resource-constrained environment. It is also a testament to the collective commitment of our teams, who have embedded sustainability into every stage of design and operations.”
Appreciating the achievement, C. Shekar Reddy, National Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry IGBC, said, “This is a landmark achievement for India’s hospitality sector. Lemon Tree Hotels’ accomplishment of 100% green certification with IGBC across its owned hotels’ portfolio across the country reflects a deep and long-term commitment to sustainability. By integrating IGBC’s green building principles right from the design stage, they have demonstrated how environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with operational efficiency, business resilience, and enhanced guest experience. Such leadership sets a powerful benchmark for the industry and strengthens the growing role of green buildings in shaping a low-carbon, resource-efficient future for India.”
At the same time, as ESG considerations gain traction among investors, regulators, and consumers, the hospitality industry continues to shift toward accountability, transparency, and performance-driven sustainability metrics. In this evolving landscape, Lemon Tree Hotels provides a practical blueprint for aligning growth with environmental responsibility while maintaining operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
The company has structured its sustainability framework around four key pillars. It has accelerated energy transition through renewable adoption and efficiency improvements. In addition, it has implemented comprehensive water stewardship practices, including conservation and recycling. It has also prioritized inclusive and responsible design through sustainable architecture while leveraging operational intelligence for continuous resource optimization.
Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. will continue to place sustainability at the core of its growth strategy as it expands both domestically and internationally. By focusing on innovation, efficiency, and responsible design, the company aims to set new benchmarks in sustainable hospitality while driving long-term value creation.
