Tucked within the electric energy of Shah Alam’s iconic i-City, DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City embodies the future of hospitality. Voted one of Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ Top 100 Sustainable Hotels & Resorts of the World for 2024, this stunning property is reimagining what it means to offer indulgence without compromise, combining modern luxury with a deep commitment to sustainability.

With a location that offers both convenience and adventure, guests can explore the vibrant i-City Theme Park with attractions and facilities that cater to all ages, shop and dine at the Central i-City Mall, or experience the serenity of nearby cultural landmarks, all just moments from the hotel’s doorstep. The property’s green credentials shine brightly through its Meet with Purpose initiative, a unique program designed to create sustainable events, from eco-conscious meetings to locally sourced, organic dining experiences.

At the heart of this extraordinary transformation is Mr. Gagan Talwar, the General Manager whose leadership has been instrumental in championing the hotel’s eco-conscious mission. With sustainability at the core of every decision, Mr. Talwar’s approach has shaped DoubleTree Shah Alam into the personification of responsible tourism.

In this exclusive interview, we dive into Mr. Talwar’s journey—his inspiration for pushing the boundaries of hospitality, the driving forces behind the hotel’s green initiatives, and what lies ahead as DoubleTree Shah Alam continues to set the standard for sustainable luxury in Malaysia.

Our interview is led by Alexander Chetchikov, the esteemed President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce. With over 16 years of expertise in uncovering the crème de la crème of luxury brands through the prestigious Luxury Lifestyle Awards, he brings a wealth of knowledge and unique perspectives on the ever-evolving landscape of the luxury industry.

Questions:

Alexander Chetchikov: DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City has been recognized among the Top 100 Sustainable Hotels & Resorts of the World for 2024. Could you share your vision for sustainability and how it aligns with Hilton’s global “Travel with Purpose” initiatives?

Mr. Gagan Talwar:

We are honored that DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City has been recognized among the Top 100 Sustainable Hotels & Resorts of the World for 2024. This achievement is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and the environment.

At DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City, sustainability is at the core of our operations, and we are guided by our global “Travel with Purpose” initiative. This program focuses on driving positive social and environmental impact, with goals such as reducing our carbon footprint, supporting local communities, and creating more sustainable travel experiences for our guests.

Our vision is to create a harmonious balance between hospitality and sustainability, ensuring that our guests enjoy a memorable experience while contributing positively to the planet. We are continuously looking for ways to innovate and expand these efforts, in collaboration with Hilton’s global commitment to building a sustainable future for all.

AC: The hotel has implemented impactful measures such as eliminating single-use plastics and using 100% LED lighting. Which of these initiatives do you believe has had the greatest impact on reducing the hotel’s environmental footprint, and why?

GT:

Both eliminating single-use plastics and switching to 100% LED lighting are significant steps in reducing our environmental footprint. However, if I had to highlight one initiative that has had the greatest impact, it would be the use of LED lighting since the opening of the hotel.

This change has resulted in substantial reductions in both energy consumption and overall carbon emissions. LED lighting is far more energy-efficient than traditional lighting, consuming up to 75% less energy and lasting much longer. As a result, we’ve seen a noticeable decrease in our electricity usage, which directly contributes to reducing our carbon footprint.

While eliminating single-use plastics is incredibly important for minimizing waste and promoting sustainability, the energy savings from LED lighting have been a critical component in our overall environmental strategy. Both initiatives work in tandem to reduce our environmental impact, but the long-term energy savings from LED lighting have been a particularly impactful and sustainable change for the hotel.

AC: Your “Meet with Purpose” program has been praised for combining sustainability with innovation. Could you elaborate on how the LightStay Event Impact Calculator has transformed the way you host sustainable events?

GT:

One the key tool that has transformed the way we host sustainable events at the hotel is our “Meeting Impact Calculator”. This tool allows us to measure and assess the environmental impact of all aspects of the meeting. By using this calculator, we can provide our clients with real-time data on the sustainability of their events, allowing them to make informed decisions and set goals for reducing their environmental footprint.

The LightStay Event Impact Calculator has not only enabled us to improve the sustainability of the events we host but also enhanced our ability to offer tailored, eco-conscious solutions to our clients. It allows us to suggest more sustainable alternatives, such as reducing energy consumption through efficient lighting, utilizing less linen, set-ups, or offering plant-based menus to minimize the carbon footprint of food sourcing. This level of insight and customization has been key in making our meetings and events more sustainable, while also allowing clients to align their values with Hilton’s broader environmental goals. 

AC: Partnerships with local suppliers and community organizations play a vital role in your operations. Can you provide examples of recent collaborations and how they’ve contributed to the hotel’s sustainability goals?

GT:

Thank you for highlighting the importance of partnerships with local suppliers and community organizations. These collaborations are a crucial part of our sustainability efforts, as they not only support the local economy but also help us reduce our environmental impact.

One recent example is our partnership with local suppliers such as Boom Grow for sourcing organic, locally grown produce. By prioritizing local and seasonal ingredients, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation while supporting sustainable farming practices. This not only ensures the freshest ingredients for our guests but also aligns with our goal of promoting sustainable food sourcing.

We’ve also collaborated with a local waste management organization to implement a more efficient recycling and composting system throughout the hotel. This partnership has allowed us to significantly reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, contributing to both waste reduction and our broader sustainability goals.

These collaborations are a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy, as they enable us to drive positive change both within the hotel and in the wider community. By working together with local organizations and suppliers, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

AC: Every journey toward sustainability comes with its challenges. What obstacles have you encountered while implementing eco-friendly practices, and how did your team overcome them?

GT:

While we’re proud of the progress we’ve made, we’ve certainly encountered some obstacles along the way. One of the main challenges has been managing the upfront costs of implementing eco-friendly practices. Whether it’s transitioning to energy-efficient systems or sourcing sustainable materials, these changes often require a significant initial investment. However, we’ve overcome this by viewing it as an investment in long-term savings and environmental responsibility.

Another challenge has been educating and aligning the team with our sustainability goals. Shifting to sustainable practices requires a cultural change, and it’s essential that every member of our team understands their role in this journey. We’ve addressed this challenge through continuous training and clear communication. By emphasizing the importance of sustainability not just for the hotel but for the wider community, we’ve fostered a sense of shared responsibility and commitment among our staff.

AC: Educating guests about sustainability seems integral to your strategy. How do you balance promoting eco-conscious practices while ensuring an exceptional guest experience?

GT:

You’re absolutely right—educating guests about sustainability is a key part of our strategy, and we believe it can go hand in hand with delivering an exceptional guest experience. We’ve learned that guests are increasingly seeking more sustainable travel options, and we’ve embraced this by integrating eco-conscious practices into their experience in a seamless and engaging way.

We ensure that sustainability is visible and accessible to our guests without compromising comfort or convenience. We also offer guests the option to participate in initiatives like reducing linen and towel usage during their stay, which not only conserves resources but also allows them to actively contribute to our sustainability efforts.

Rather than imposing sustainability measures, we make them optional and convenient. For example, we’ve introduced digital check-in and keyless entry to reduce paper usage, but we’ve also made sure that guests who prefer traditional methods can still use them. We’ve found that this balance makes sustainability feel like an added benefit, not a compromise.

AC: Looking ahead, what new sustainability initiatives or projects can we expect from DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City, and how do you plan to involve your guests and the local community in these efforts? 

GT:

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue evolving our sustainability initiatives and to deepen our commitment to both our guests and the local community. One area we’re particularly focused on is expanding our waste reduction efforts. We are exploring new partnerships with local recycling programs and innovators in sustainable packaging to minimize waste in all aspects of our operations, including food and beverage services.

In terms of guest involvement, we plan to offer even more opportunities for guests to actively participate in sustainability efforts. We’ll also be introducing educational events and workshops for guests to learn about local sustainability efforts in our monthly “Ritual Hub” activities.

To engage with the local community, we’re planning additional outreach programs that focus on environmental education. We believe that by working together with our community, we can create a stronger and more sustainable future for everyone.

AC: As a leader in sustainable hospitality in Malaysia, what advice would you give to other hotels looking to adopt more sustainable practices? How can the industry collectively work toward a greener future?

GT:

Thank you for the opportunity to share our thoughts. As a leader in sustainable hospitality, my advice to other hotels looking to adopt more sustainable practices would be to start by focusing on the basics—reduce, reuse, and recycle. Sustainability doesn’t always require large investments; often, simple actions such as eliminating single-use plastics, optimizing energy and water consumption, and minimizing food waste can make a significant impact. It’s essential to create a foundation of sustainable practices that can be built upon over time.

One of the most important steps is to integrate sustainability into the culture of the hotel, from top management to frontline staff. Engaging employees, providing sustainability training, and empowering them to suggest and implement ideas ensures that sustainability becomes a collective effort. The enthusiasm and involvement of the team are key to creating long-lasting change.

Thank you, Mr. Talwar, for taking the time to share your insights and experiences with us. Your dedication to sustainability and innovation at DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City is truly inspiring. We appreciate your thoughtful responses and the valuable perspectives you’ve provided, and we look forward to seeing how your vision continues to shape the future of sustainable hospitality.

To find out more about the award-winning hotel, please visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/szbsadi-doubletree-shah-alam-i-city/