Indian Hotels Company Limited’s (IHCL) ESG+ framework, Paathya, has been featured as a detailed case study by IMD Business School, Lausanne, recognising the company’s structured and integrated approach to sustainability within its business strategy.
The case study examines how IHCL has embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles across its operations, positioning sustainability as a core driver of long-term value creation in the hospitality sector.
Commenting on the recognition, Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources, IHCL, said, “As a pioneer of India’s hospitality industry, IHCL continues to evolve its benchmarks for responsible growth. Sustainability in hospitality is a shared responsibility, and Paathya represents our commitment to aligning growth with accountability. We have made meaningful progress towards our 2030 goals, including over 70 bottling plants, 51% water recycling, 41% renewable energy usage, and 73 Skill Centres that have trained more than 35,000 underprivileged youth.”
He added, “Being featured by a globally respected institution such as IMD is a testament to the collective efforts of our teams in embedding sustainability at the heart of our business.”
IHCL’s transformation journey is guided by its vision of becoming South Asia’s most iconic, responsible and profitable hospitality ecosystem, anchored in a strong sense of purpose.
Commenting on the study, Professor Florian Hoos and case authors Manojkumar Selvaraj, Harsha Doddihal and Peter Damyanov noted, “The IHCL case highlights the complexity of integrating sustainability in a service-led industry and underscores the value of a structured framework like Paathya. It demonstrates how ESG principles can be translated into measurable outcomes, creating value for both business and society.”
Launched as IHCL’s comprehensive ESG+ framework, Paathya is built on six pillars—Heritage, Corporate Governance, Social Responsibility, Environmental Stewardship, Partner Transformation, and Sustainable Growth. The framework outlines clear targets for 2030, including elimination of single-use plastics, 50% renewable energy usage, 100% wastewater recycling, and sustainability certification for all hotels.
Further strengthening its social impact agenda, IHCL aims to enhance employability for over 100,000 youth, while its collaboration with UNESCO reinforces its role as a custodian of Indian heritage through the adoption of Intangible Cultural Heritage projects across its operating geographies.
