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The Leela Sets Sustainability Benchmark: Becomes South Asia’s Largest EDGE Advanced Certified Hotel Portfolio

Swarnadwip Nath Published Aug 22, 2025, 01:31 AM Updated Sep 16, 2026, 11:16 AM

In a landmark achievement for sustainable luxury hospitality, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has officially become South Asia’s largest EDGE Advanced certified hotel portfolio. With five of its iconic palace properties now recognized by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, The Leela has cemented its leadership in climate-conscious hospitality. This milestone reflects the brand’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and mindful luxury.

Key Highlights

Five Leela Palace properties—Chennai, New Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Bengaluru—have received EDGE Advanced certification.

The certified footprint spans 2.41 million square feet, the largest in South Asia for any hotel group.

Each property achieved over 41 percent energy savings, 30 percent water savings, and between 59 to 70 percent reduction in embodied carbon from building materials.

The total carbon savings across these properties amount to 2,454.44 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.

What Is EDGE Advanced Certification?

EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is a globally recognized green building certification system developed by IFC. The EDGE Advanced label is awarded to buildings that achieve at least 40 percent energy savings compared to conventional benchmarks, along with significant reductions in water usage and embodied carbon.

The certification process evaluates design, construction, and operational practices, making it one of the most rigorous sustainability standards in the hospitality sector.

Engineering Excellence Meets Environmental Consciousness

The Leela’s certified properties showcase a seamless integration of luxury and sustainability:

Advanced HVAC systems with variable speed drives and smart controls optimize energy use without compromising guest comfort.

Sensor-based lighting and water fixtures reduce consumption while enhancing operational efficiency.

Building envelopes feature high-performance insulation, solar-reflective materials, and energy-efficient glazing to minimize heat gain and improve spatial aesthetics.

Rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and solar energy integration further reinforce the brand’s eco-conscious ethos.

These design choices reflect The Leela’s philosophy of “Mindful Luxury,” where every detail is curated not just for elegance but also for environmental impact.

Cultural Heritage Meets Climate Action

Rooted in Indian tradition, The Leela’s palace hotels are known for their architectural grandeur and cultural richness. By aligning these heritage properties with cutting-edge sustainability standards, the brand is redefining what luxury means in the 21st century.

The Leela Palace Udaipur and Jaipur blend Rajasthani royal aesthetics with modern green technologies.

The New Delhi and Chennai properties serve as urban sanctuaries that balance opulence with resource efficiency.

The Bengaluru palace integrates local design elements with smart building systems, offering a model for future urban hospitality.

This fusion of timeless elegance and climate-smart innovation positions The Leela as a global leader in sustainable luxury.

Vision for the Future

Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, emphasized that the brand’s sustainability journey is far from over. The group is actively working toward achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 and plans to expand its EDGE-certified footprint across upcoming developments.

Future projects will prioritize low-carbon construction, renewable energy sourcing, and circular resource management.

The Leela is also exploring partnerships and acquisitions that align with its sustainability goals and luxury positioning.

This strategic direction reflects a broader industry shift, where environmental responsibility is becoming central to brand value and guest experience.

Conclusion

The Leela’s EDGE Advanced certification is more than a badge—it’s a blueprint for the future of hospitality in South Asia and beyond. By combining architectural excellence, cultural depth, and environmental integrity, The Leela is setting a new standard for what it means to be truly world-class.

Sources: The Leela Press Room, Economic Times

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