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Sustainability is at the core of Accor’s strategy and a key driver of innovation and action across the Group. As sustainability becomes increasingly important around the world, we embrace the opportunity to drive change and recognize that the events industry must play a key role and lead by example. At Accor, we aim to pave the way for more responsible practices, working to reduce carbon and waste, and strengthening connections with local communities. As the world reimagines the way it meets and works, positive impact will be the differentiator. Now more than ever, the industry is driving change.
Green Party: Carbon Currency
At Accor, we put sustainability, people and nature at the heart of our business and apply this perspective to all our operations and every guest experience, including meetings and events. Sustainability is more than a passion, it is embedded in our action plans.
For example, our event carbon reduction charter for meetings and events requires hotels to take actions such as providing recycling bins, water filtration in glass bottles or drinking fountains, vegetarian menu options, donation of leftover materials, reusable tables at all events and glassware, food waste management solutions and temperature management. We are committed to achieving carbon and sustainability targets across our activities in different regions and countries, with additional targets implemented based on local needs. Carbon reduction continues to be a topic of today and a popular trend of the future, especially for business travel, meetings and events. A survey of corporate customers by AccorHotels showed that 54% of corporate customers ranked carbon emissions as their top corporate social responsibility priority.
Accor’s industry-leading insights report, titled ‘Meeting Expectations: The Future of Meetings and Events’, explores the growing importance of carbon and sustainability in the industry. The report emphasizes that sustainability should be a priority, not an afterthought – echoing our responsible hospitality strategy.
In addition to more than 70% of our corporate clients, Accor has also set science-based targets. The more aggressively we pursue these goals, the greater the positive impact we will have on our customers’ ability to deliver on their commitments. Not only is this good for the planet, it’s also good for business. The currency of the future is carbon, and to drive major industrial change and positive impact tomorrow, we must start thinking carbon-free today. Sophie Hulgard – Chief Sales Officer, AccorHotels
6 ways AccorHotels is promoting sustainable practices in meetings and events
Accor offers more than 18,500 meeting and event spaces worldwide. By planning with Accor, event planners can not only participate in creating more sustainable and responsible meetings and events and access a wide range of addresses, but also earn exclusive Accor points for every meeting or event they book through ALL Meeting Planner of loyalty program points. Together we can create a more sustainable future for meetings and events, and Accor is committed to driving sustainable change in all aspects of event planning and execution.
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Helping our hotels achieve sustainability certification
Green certificates are no longer a reward for events – they are crucial in deciding who wins the business. With this in mind, we are committed to supporting 5,600 hotels to achieve external sustainability certification. To achieve this, Accor has established two global partnerships with Green Key and Green Globe as preferred certification partners, as well as local strategic partners such as the Pacific Ecotourism Agency. These external certifications independently validate a hotel’s sustainable practices. Driven by growing demand from guests and corporate customers for rigorous sustainability programs and accountability, eco-certification offers hotels and brands the potential to increase operational efficiency and minimize the environmental impact of their activities from the outset. -
Innovation promotes sustainable development of catering industry
Food and beverage are an important part of an event, providing moments of rejuvenation and connection, as well as contributing to well-being and sustainability. AccorHotels is working with clients to rethink food and beverage services to anticipate and better meet attendee needs and carbon budgets. AccorHotels supports the adoption of sustainable catering practices, working with hotel catering teams to prioritize the use of locally sourced, organic and seasonal ingredients for meals and refreshments, and offering options to suit all dietary needs, including meat-free and vegetarian options, thereby significantly reducing the environmental impact of events Impact. We are also committed to minimizing food waste by accurately predicting attendance and designing creative menus that reduce waste and increase reuse. For example, turn leftover fruits and vegetables from breakfast and lunch into rejuvenating smoothies and cold-pressed drinks in the afternoon. Accor encourages restaurants to use reusable or compostable tableware and provides clearly labeled bins for recycling and composting food scraps. By adopting sustainable catering practices, we can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of our events while supporting nutritional health and local suppliers. -
Implement waste reduction strategies and promote circular economy
Minimizing waste generation and maximizing recycling opportunities are important aspects of hosting sustainable meetings and events in hotels. Accor supports efficiency and adequacy planning, providing solutions to ensure a positive impact on the environment and attendees. We work with hotel teams to implement waste reduction strategies, such as providing digital event materials instead of printed handouts and using refillable water stations instead of single-use plastic bottles. We also provide recycling bins in meeting rooms, common areas and guest rooms, and recycling guidelines are clearly communicated to attendees. Our hotels work with local recycling facilities and waste management companies to ensure recyclable materials are properly sorted and processed. We also work with local charities to maximize longevity. By prioritizing reduction and recycling, we divert valuable resources from landfill and contribute to the circular economy. -
Encourage sustainable travel: reduce traffic and air pollution
Transport emissions are a major factor in the environmental footprint of meetings and events. With this in mind, Accor encourages event attendees to use eco-friendly transport and provides information on nearby public transport routes, bike-sharing schemes and ride-sharing arrangements to promote sustainable travel options. By promoting sustainable transport alternatives, the group is working to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution associated with commuting activities. -
Plan low carbon meetings and events
Accor’s certified carbon calculator goes beyond the “how” of holding a meeting, helping our clients think about the “when and where” to hold their event. By assessing attendee travel and climate impacts across different destinations and hotels, as well as different trip durations, it can facilitate the design of sustainable events from the outset, thus minimizing the need for extensive carbon offsets after each event. -
Protect local culture and environment
Authentic experiences and local discovery are increasingly important to designing memorable events that are sustainable, engage and support local communities, and embrace responsible discovery. AccorHotels not only provides local experiences, but also raises awareness and knowledge to ensure the protection and preservation of local culture and local natural ecosystems, and to have a positive impact on people and places. Impact travel is an extension of recent trends in learning and advancement, driven by a growing desire for transformative experiences. It provides travelers with the opportunity to make a positive impact, creating significant opportunities for planners and experience designers.
AccorHotels: a trusted partner for sustainable events
As the desire and necessity to organize greener and more sustainable meetings and events continues to grow, at Accor, we are committed to building sustainable solutions and working with partners to jointly minimize the event planning and execution process impact on the environment. By partnering with AccorHotels, event planners can make significant strides in creating more sustainable and responsible gatherings. Our innovative approach to meetings and events not only benefits the environment but also enhances the overall attendee experience, echoing the Group’s ambition to build a more sustainable hospitality model and implement positive and meaningful change.
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