IHG partners with owner of the InterContinental Houston – Medical Center to install IVP Air Technology to Combat COVID-19
The AAA Four Diamond InterContinental® Houston – Medical Center, located in the renowned Texas Medical Center, is taking further steps to enhance its approach to cleanliness by becoming the first hotel to use the innovative Integrated Viral Protection (IVP) Bio Defense Indoor Air Protection Filtration System.
The IVP Air heated-air filtration system is a mobile, plug-and-purify device designed to eliminate SARS-CoV-2, anthrax spores and other airborne contaminants through a heated filter that does not impact the temperature of the ambient air. Building on a comprehensive set of procedures and protocols in place with the IHG Way of Clean program, the use of this technology marks yet another enhancement that General Manager Jorge Landa and the InterContinental Houston – Medical Center hotel team are offering to guests and colleagues to provide further confidence in the hotel experience.
The system was first designed by IVP founder and inventor, Monzer Hourani, a Houstonian who also serves as the head of the InterContinental Houston – Medical Center’s ownership group. Hourani, who has a background in physics, science and engineering, developed the advanced biodefense system in partnership with Dr. Zhifeng Ren, Director of the Superconductivity Center of Texas at the University of Houston, and with other scientists at the UTMB Galveston National Lab and University of Texas A&M Engineering and Experiment Station.
Monzer Hourani, inventor, and founder, IVP said: “The time for action is now, and helping our hometown reopen in record time with this proven science that kills COVID-19 is so important to me as we use Houston-based research to help lead us out of this crisis and get us back to business”
Jay Caiafa, Chief Operating Officer, Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group said: “The safety and well-being of our guests and colleagues is core to the True Hospitality we deliver each day – and we know that a priority on cleanliness is more important now than ever before as travel resumes. Throughout the response to Covid-19, we have built on an already strong heritage of cleanliness and hygiene by implementing a variety of enhanced processes based on the guidance of health authorities and industry-leading experts and exploring where technology can make a difference. In bringing this innovative IVP Air technology to the InterContinental Houston – Medical Center, we are pleased to support the efforts of owner Monzer Hourani and his team as they offer guests, colleagues and visitors even further confidence in a safe, comfortable hotel experience”
Materials Physics Today published a peer-reviewed study confirming the system effectively eliminates actual SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19), anthrax spores and other airborne contaminants. The research has been publicly supported by research faculty at the Argonne National Laboratory and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
In addition to the hotel, the IVP Air technology has been deployed at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center, the Texas A&M Health Science Center and student housing, True North Classical Academy in Miami, Florida, Slidell Independent School District in Slidell, Texas and Post Acute Medical Rehabilitation with sites in Texas and Las Vegas. For additional information on IVP, please visit IVPair.com.
IHG understands that cleanliness is top of mind for today’s traveler. The company’s longstanding commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures includes the IHG Way of Clean program developed with Ecolab and Diversey, both world leaders in hygiene and cleaning technologies. The program, launched in 2015, features deep cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants as well as new COVID-19 protocols and best practices, developed with experts from the Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, as a part of the IHG family of brands, the InterContinental Houston – Medical Center offers guests additional peace of mind with the IHG Clean Promise. Guests can be reassured that their room will meet IHG’s high standards of cleanliness. Learn more about IHG’s new cleanliness initiatives and guest programs here.
