IHG today launches the IHG Corporate Responsibility (CR) Innovation Fund, an initiative that aims to identify and invest in partners innovating environmental and societal solutions that might positively impact the hotel industry.

IHG is committed to improving the environmental sustainability of its operations around the world and having a positive impact on the local community, in turn, driving economic opportunity in and around its hotels. IHG’s Corporate Responsibility strategy is based on innovation, collaboration, environment and community and the IHG CR Innovation Fund is a pioneering programme by IHG to bring these together.

As part of the IHG CR Innovation Fund start-up, IHG will run a series of Calls for Collaboration, focused on key questions relevant to its hotels around the world. The first Call for Collaboration is focused around the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

IHG’s Holiday Inn brand is the hotel provider for London 2012 and is committed to helping ensure a lasting legacy around our 11 hotels in the six host boroughs of the Olympic and Paralympic games. The company is seeking a social enterprise partner that can help IHG hotels amplify their contribution to the Olympic Legacy in the London 2012 host boroughs.

This first phase is open to UK businesses with operations in East London and the chosen partner(s) will receive a cash grant of up to £12,000 to help develop their innovation and will also receive in-kind business skills support if required from IHG executives to help unlock future growth potential.

Applications will be accepted from 29 August to 19 October 2012 and a shortlist of entries will be published on 1 November 2012.  Reviews will take place from 1 to 18 November 2012 and the social enterprise(s) chosen to collaborate with IHG will be announced on 3 December 2012, 12 weeks after the end of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

David Jerome, Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility says: “The perceived tension between tourism and sustainability creates a space for innovation. Corporate Responsibility is at the core of our business strategy. It is about how we do business and create value for the company as well as for society. This Innovation Fund clearly demonstrates IHG’s commitment.”