Hotel101 property in Japanese ski town to be ‘green’

Hotel101 Global Pte.Ltd., the Singapore-based unit of DoubleDragon Corp., has committed to make the first international branch of the homegrown condotel chain “environmentally forward” through a partnership with Japanese firms.

According to Hotel101 Global, its partnership with engineering companies Kamita Sekkei and Technocrew, along with contractor Iwata Chizaki Inc., will set up Hotel101-Niseko to become the first hotel in the Hokkaido town to be certified for environmental efficiency.

“By integrating a sustainable mindset in the way that we build our hotels as well as sustainable practices in our day-to-day hotel operations, we protect the environment, appeal to the new generation of eco-conscious guests, and reduce operational costs, which helps ensure the long-term viability of Hotel101,” Hannah Yulo-Luccini, Hotel101 Global CEO, said in a statement.

Kamita Sekkei and Technocrew are known for their work for Hokkaido University, Sapporo and Obihiro, among others. Iwata Chizeki, meanwhile, built the Chitose International Airport that serves as main gateway to Sapporo area.Under their partnership, the companies have committed to integrate smart systems into the Niseko branch to enhance efficiency and promote sustainability, paving the way for a Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (Casbee) rating.

Hotel101-Niseko, which is currently under construction, will have “green-inspired” architecture, Hotel101 Global said.

It is located on a 1.17-hectare site in Niseko-Hirafu, Hokkaido prefecture, a well-known ski destination in northern Japan.

“With the upcoming bullet train to go straight from Tokyo to Niseko, we see the 482-room Hotel101-Niseko project … to become the top of mind hotel destination for both the local and overseas tourists visiting Niseko,” DoubleDragon chair Edgar Sia II said.

Hotel101, the hospitality arm of tycoons Sia and Tony Tan Caktiong, started construction for the Niseko branch in August last year, making it the first local hotel chain to expand to other countries.Last month, the hotel brand also broke ground for its second global branch in Madrid, Spain.

The 680-room Hotel101-Madrid is set to become among the five largest hotels in Spain’s capital city. INQ