Accor joins Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Accor has joined the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, a global organisation that uses the hospitality industry’s collective power to “address and tackle key challenges affecting the planet and its people”. The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance aims to drive collaborative action and develop free practical resources and programmes to enable leading hospitality companies and strategic partners to operate responsibly and grow sustainably. It is said to look for new areas of improvement in sustainability, and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), piloting continued actions on a range of social and environmental issues including human rights, youth employment, climate action and water stewardship. Its members make up 25% of the global hotel industry by rooms and include 14 world-leading hotel companies including Hilton, Hyatt, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International and Radisson Hotel Group. Members are reportedly united in a belief that collaboration within the industry can “achieve more for societies and the environment as companies work together and use their collective power” on issues like improving supply chain standards and mitigating climate change. Accor said it has been a pioneer in developing sustainable travel experiences and investing in innovations since its creation in 1967. As part of its on-going CSR strategy, the group previously identified 21 areas of business activity where significant improvements could be made and set policies for measurable actions and goals. These include targets around reducing energy and water consumption, a move towards carbon-neutral buildings, and promotion of healthier and sustainable food with a drastic reduction on food waste. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO Accor said: “Sustainability and social responsibility are essential to our business. As a global hospitality group, we have a responsibility that goes far beyond our own impacts and it’s our role to shape the future of travel and take care of our planet and the communities in which we operate. “We believe working together as an industry on sustainability makes us stronger and is the most effective way in finding new ways to contributing positively to the environment and the local communities globally. We are joining Sustainable Hospitality Alliance with an open and collaborative mindset and look forward to working with the other leaders in the industry to drive the pace of change.” Madhu Rajesh, CEO of Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said: “We are delighted to welcome Accor to our membership. The Group’s expertise and commitment towards sustainability will make a valuable addition to the best practices of our existing members. “We look forward to collaborating with them on the leading global issues to ensure that the hospitality industry is striving for a lasting positive impact on our planet and its people.”