Splendour with a mission at ITC Mughal

One has only heard stories of Mughal splendour, their imposing palaces, lavish banquets and grand lifestyles. The only way to fully comprehend this extravagant lifestyle, is to actually live it.The medieval charm of Agra acts as a befitting backdrop to ITC Mughal – nestled amidst 23 Acres of luxurious gardens it has the distinction of being the winner of the First Aga Khan Award for Architectural Excellence, in Asia, in 1980 and till date, the only Indian Hotel to have won this prestigious International recognition.

The Aga Khan Award states, “A splendid redbrick edifice that blends beautifully with the city’s landscape, the hotel’s unique architecture draws inspiration from the 16th Century Architectural Marvel – The Fatehpur Sikri and thus recreates the architectural style of the Mughal dynasty through geometrical proportions and layout of spaces; delicate use of marble; landscaped courtyards, gardens and water bodies.”

Towards the ethos of the ‘Responsible Luxury’, ITC Mughal has been awarded with Platinum certification under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) (Existing Building) by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership. The LEED plaque stands for leadership and demonstrates that a building has been designed, built, and is operating as intended. Being “built to LEED” or “LEED equivalency” does not exist. There is a no substitute for LEED certification.

ITC Mughal Agra is a unique and iconic property in the ITC Hotels’ portfolio due to its large area landscaped with beautiful lush green gardens and courtyards. This novel feature in this facility ultimately has an environmental cost, which is huge demand of water. Historically, ITC Mughal has used over 600 thousand litres of water every day. Last year it focused its energies on bringing this water demand down significantly. 

In Agra, the ground well water has extremely high impurities (like conductivity and total dissolved solids (TDS). As there is unavailability of public water supply hence bore-wells are the main source of potable water in the hotel. ITC Mughal team has taken several initiatives to reduce potable water demand to reduce ground water extraction. Upgrade of water piping to CPVC piping which has helped in arresting leaks and improve delivered water quality and colour. Other initiatives implemented such as installing of micro spray and xeriscaping to reduce landscape based upon water requirement. Cooling tower water requirement is now met with treated (recycled) water by installing softener after STP plant. Flushing and water body make-up water demand is met through RO reject water. Water aerator installation at all plumbing fixtures to reduce water consumption and water supply system pressure optimize to reduce water consumption further. By taking these measures and proper end use water tracking helped in achieving water consumption below 350 KLD and reduce fresh water usage by 40%. 

Delight of staying in a Green Hotel

Energy Efficiency

• ITC Mughal uses 14% less energy than USGBC’s national average for large size Luxury Hotels.
• Usage of non-ozone depleting gases for refrigeration. 
• On-site computer-based building management system to monitor and control the HVAC and Lighting system.
• Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning (HVAC) system, Thermal system, Water management system and Building Management System underwent retrocommissioning to enhance performance efficiencies.
• Replaced belt driven AHU’s drive with EC drive which reduce energy consumption.  

Water Efficiency

• Sensor operated and waterless urinals, dual flush water closets have reduced the water consumption by 31.81% against USGBC standards.
• Only treated recycled water is used for landscape, cooling tower and miscellaneous cleaning resulting in further reduction of water consumption.
• Reduced water demand in Cooling Tower through automation.
• Drip irrigation for landscape to eliminates the wastage of water
• Use of RO reject water for flushing and water body make-up  

Sustainable Site Development

• Implementing and encouraging environmentally sensitive building exterior and hardscape management best practices.
• Exterior hardscape is maintained without use of chemicals. 
• Preserve ecological integrity, enhance natural diversity and protect wildlife while supporting high-performance building operations and integration into the surrounding landscape. 
• The building consciously promotes cultivation of native plants (covering more than 50% of building area)
• 82.6% of associates travel by either public transport or use pooled vehicles.
• The hotel’s rainwater harvesting capacity is 64% of the peak rainfall. This helps in reducing water demand and run-off.
• Reducing the night sky pollution through installing partially or fully shielded exterior light fixtures.  

Indoor Environment Quality

• Increased treated fresh air infusion for higher human productivity and better health.
• Minimizing exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces, and system to environmental tobacco smoke.
• Providing capacity for ventilation system monitoring to help sustain occupant comfort.
• More than 50% of occupied space have daylight and quality view 
• Enhanced occupant thermal comfort.
• Providing a high level of lighting system control by individual occupants or groups in multi-occupant spaces.
• Employing permanent entry-way system at all public entry points.
• Green Seal certified Housekeeping chemicals and equipment.
• Mechanical means of elimination of rodents and use of eco-responsible pesticides.  

Sustainable Materials and Purchasing

• More than 70% of ongoing consumables used at ITC Mughal are either local or recycled.  Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood is used for refurbishments and renovations.
• More than 50% of the food and beverage used is harvested and processed locally within 160 kilometres of the hotel.
• Usage of LED lamps that are energy efficient and no mercury content.
• More than 99% of the total solid waste is either reused or recycled through Recycling programs or converted into manure by Organic Waste Converter.   

Amongst the first great hotel resorts in India and still highly rated amongst the best, the fountains, landscaped gardens, sustainable practices , exceptional cuisine at ITC Mughal recreates the luxurious lifestyle of the great Mughals – a memorable experience and an inspired tribute to the grandeur of the Mughal Dynasty. ITC Hotels is the largest chain of hotels in the World, which has maximum Platinum Certified Properties.