Poman Lo Leads the Charge in Sustainable Hospitality Practices

Poman Lo: A Pioneer of Sustainability in Hospitality

Poman Lo is known for being ahead of the curve. At the end of 2009, the business leader shook up Hong Kong’s hospitality industry when she opened iClub, envisioning it as the city’s first carbon-neutral hotel. This was way before the terms “ESG” and “sustainability” became a phenomenon.

“No one really knew what carbon neutrality meant [at the time],” says Lo, vice-chairman of Regal Hotels International, under which the iClub Hotels brand falls. “It was such a new thing that everyone was wondering whether it would lead to anything.”

Impact Through Purpose-Driven Practices

Lo’s bold move with iClub was driven by a clear mission of weaving purpose into every project. “I believe the key to success is to start with ‘why,’” she explains. The hotel's brand has not only survived but thrived, generating profits while remaining committed to sustainability.

The iClub Hotels brand has received various accolades for its green efforts, including a Beam Plus New Buildings Gold rating from the Hong Kong Green Building Council, recognizing its energy-efficient practices. Additionally, it earned EarthCheck certifications for meeting sustainability benchmarks.

Advocacy for Sustainability

Lo's commitment extends beyond her business ventures. As a founding managing partner of AlphaTrio Capital and the founder of the Institute of Sustainability and Technology, she advocates for ecological solutions. Lo also serves as an adjunct professor, teaching sustainable business management.

“Climate change is no longer a theoretical construct,” she urges. “We must act now, or we will miss that window of opportunity.”

Lo’s vision is clear: foster a community of eco-conscious travellers while sharing best practices in green management.