InterContinental Hotels Group has opened what is its first sustainable hotel in Canada and the first of its type in Quebec.

The Holiday Inn Express and Suites Saint-Hyacinthe has been built to meet the criteria of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System for its sustainable practices.

In addition to featuring a high efficiency energy distribution system, an ultra-insulated building, and LED and low voltage fluorescent lighting, the hotel has utilised several key factors in a move to reduce its carbon footprint. These include furniture all being made within 20km of the hotel; cement from a demolished bridge being used as gravel under and around the hotel; the installation of a white roof to reflect sun's heat; special heat capturing water coils; and custom made natural fibre mattresses with bamboo and soya bases.

The 94-room hotel is a part of the new 'M' Lifestyle Centre in Saint-Hyacinthe, the centre also offering restaurants, shopping, a public market, houses and apartments.

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