Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd has achieved a defining milestone in its ESG journey, achieving 100% green building certification across its entire portfolio of 41 owned hotels.
Complementing this, the company has also reached 50% renewable energy usage (exit rate) as of March
31, 2026. This dual achievement underscores LTH’s long-standing commitment to responsible growth and reinforces its leadership position in shaping a more sustainable future for the Indian hospitality sector.
The Indian Green Building Council, IGBC, a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) certified these
hotels under various parameters – Sustainable Architecture and Design, Site Selection and Planning, Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, Building Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation and Development.
Since 2012, the company has adopted a design-first approach to sustainability, with all owned hotels
developed in line with IGBC GREEN building standards. This has enabled a consistent integration of energyefficiency, water stewardship, sustainable materials and reduced environmental impact across its portfolio, in line with regulatory mandates. Today, the company’s owned portfolio reflects a strong mix of green building certifications, with 2 hotels certified at Platinum level, 22 hotels at Gold level, 6 hotels at Silver level and 11 hotels with Certified level.
The transition to 50% renewable energy usage further underscores a structural shift in operating models
within the sector, where energy sourcing, efficiency and long-term cost optimization are becoming central to business resilience, not just environmental responsibility.
Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Neelendra Singh, Managing Director & CEO, 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 Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd team on the achievement, Mr C Shekar Reddy, National
Chairman, CII 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.”
As ESG considerations gain prominence among investors, regulators, and consumers alike, the sector is witnessing a clear shift towards accountability, transparency and performance-linked sustainability metrics.
In this context, Lemon Tree Hotels’ milestone provides a tangible blueprint for how hospitality companies can align growth with environmental responsibility without compromising on operational efficiency or guest
experience.
The company’s sustainability framework is anchored across four strategic pillars, beginning with an
accelerated energy transition through renewable adoption and efficiency. This is supported by
comprehensive water stewardship involving conservation and recycling, a commitment to inclusive and responsible design using sustainable architecture and the application of operational intelligence for continuous resource optimization.
Looking ahead, sustainability will remain the cornerstone of Lemon Tree’s growth strategy as it continues to expand its footprint both domestically and internationally. With a continued focus on innovation, efficiency
and responsible design, the company aims to consistently raise the bar for sustainable hospitality, setting new standards for scale, performance and long-term value creation.
