New Delhi, Jun 22 (IANS): WelcomHotel Amritsar is now Punjab's first LEED Platinum certified hotel. ITC Hotels is the first and largest chain of hotels in the world with maximum LEED platinum certified properties.

ITC Hotels currently has 18 LEED platinum certified properties, including it's corporate office, the ITC Green Centre which was the first corporate building in India to be LEED Platinum rated as well as the biggest Platinum rated green building in the world in 2004.

In a statement, ITC Hotels said Welcomhotel Amritsar is now Punjab's ‘First LEED Certified Hotel' under the aegis of USGBC (US Green Building Council).

Spread across eight acres, Welcomhotel Amritsar has achieved a Platinum rating under LEED 2011 for India NC (New Construction) program within just seven months of its launch.

Platinum rating is the highest category of certification preceded by Gold, Silver and Certified. Welcomhotel Amritsar met the coveted rating for energy efficiency by using 33% less energy, reducing the water consumption by 46%, developing rain water harvesting capacity of 30% of the peak rainfall, and reducing the cooling demand with over 75% of roof area covered with high Solar Reflective Index tiles, among many such sustainable initiatives.

Commenting on this momentous achievement, Nakul Anand, Executive Director-ITC Ltd said, "ITC Hotels is committed to sustainable business practices. Green buildings are energy efficient, utilize renewable energy, conserve and recycle water while taking concrete steps to preserve the eco-system around them. Our commitment to Responsible Luxury has given ITC Hotels the unique distinction of being the greenest luxury hospitality chain in the world".