IMD Features IHCL’s ‘Paathya’ ESG+ Framework in Sustainability Case Study
Paathya, the ESG+ framework of Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), has been featured in a case study by IMD Business School, Lausanne, Switzerland. The study reviews IHCL’s structured approach to sustainability and its integration into the company’s business strategy.
Commenting on the development, Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources, IHCL, said that sustainability in hospitality is a shared responsibility and that Paathya provides a structured pathway to align growth with responsibility. He noted that IHCL has made progress towards its 2030 goals, including installing over 70 bottling plants, recycling 51% of water, sourcing 41% of energy from renewables, and supporting 73 skill centres that have trained more than 35,000 underprivileged youth.
He added that the inclusion of Paathya as a case study by IMD reflects the collective efforts of IHCL teams to embed sustainability across business operations.
IHCL has been undertaking a transformation journey guided by its purpose and long-term vision, with sustainability forming a key component of its operating framework.
Professor Florian Hoos and the case authors, Manojkumar Selvaraj, Harsha Doddihal, and Peter Damyanov, stated that the IHCL case study highlights the challenges of embedding sustainability in a service-led industry and the role of a structured framework such as Paathya. The study contributes to global discussions on ESG in hospitality and illustrates how sustainability initiatives can be translated into measurable outcomes for business and society.
IHCL launched Paathya as a comprehensive ESG+ framework focused on sustainable growth, social impact, and responsible hospitality. Built around six pillars—Heritage, Corporate Governance, Social Responsibility, Environmental Stewardship, Partner Transformation, and Sustainable Growth—the framework outlines clear targets for 2030. These include eliminating single-use plastics, achieving 50% renewable energy usage, recycling 100% of wastewater, and certifying all hotels under recognised global sustainability standards.
As part of its commitment to skill development and employability, IHCL aims to support the livelihoods of over 100,000 youth. In addition, through its collaboration with UNESCO, the company plans to adopt Intangible Cultural Heritage projects across the regions in which it operates.
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