Sustainability in hospitality: Accor’s innovative approach to a greener world

At Accor, we believe that a fulfilling career goes hand in hand with making a positive impact on the world. Sustainability in hospitality is at the heart of our values, and we’re proud to be leading the way in driving meaningful change within the industry. 

By joining Accor, you become part of a team that is committed to creating a greener, more sustainable future—from reducing our environmental footprint to supporting local communities. 

Aligning purpose with sustainability 

We believe that every action we take, both big and small, should reflect our dedication to making a positive impact on the world. 

By working with purpose, we’re not only striving for excellence in hospitality but also shaping a future that is greener, more responsible, and better for everyone. 

What is sustainability in hospitality? 

Sustainability in hospitality is about more than just reducing waste or conserving energy—it's about making conscious choices that promote responsible tourism, reduce our carbon footprint, and preserve the beauty of the world around us. 

1. Water management strategies 

We are deeply committed to water stewardship and actively work to reduce our water footprint through ambitious, science-based initiatives. 

Here are some examples of our water management strategies from around the world: 

• At the Mövenpick Petra in Jordan, a shift from bathtubs to showers reduced water consumption by 25% in just one year. 
• Meanwhile, Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort in Australia has created an innovative rainwater capture system. 
• While Novotel Itu Terras de São José Golf & Resort in Brazil is reclaiming greywater for irrigation and other uses.

Through our Group Water Policy and collaborations with industry leaders, we continue to raise the bar for water stewardship in hospitality, ensuring a positive impact on the planet for generations to come. 

2. Responsible sourcing 

We understand the significant impact that Food & Beverage operations have on our carbon footprint, water usage, and biodiversity, so we’ve taken bold steps to make sustainability a top priority. 

Here are some examples of responsible sourcing strategies from around the world: 

• Sofitel Ambassador Seoul in South Korea works with nearby organic farms to provide fresh, sustainable ingredients to its restaurants, prioritizing animal welfare and plant-based offerings. 
• Similarly, Mövenpick Resort El Quseir in Egypt has an organic farm on-site, reducing food miles and waste by creating a closed-loop system. 

Through responsible sourcing, we’re transforming the way we select and serve food, making sustainability the first choice for our guests.

3. Combating food waste 

In 2023, food waste accounted for 53% of operational waste across our hotels, which is why we’ve set an ambitious target to reduce food waste by 60% by 2030. 

Across our hotel network, we’ve embraced innovative solutions like creative menu coordination, habit-changing initiatives, and cutting-edge technology to reduce food waste. 

Here are some examples of how we combat food waste from around the world: 

• Hotels like Pullman Jiaxing Pinghu Excellence in China are leading the charge with initiatives like verifying headcounts and offering to-go boxes to guests. 
• While Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate in the UAE has embraced tech-based tools to accurately measure and reduce waste. 
• Similarly, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Canada is getting creative with menu rotations and collaborating with local organizations to repurpose food, showcasing how innovative thinking can significantly lower food waste. 

Drive sustainability in hospitality: careers with purpose at Accor

At Accor, every role, from our dynamic food and beverage teams to our strategic revenue managers and corporate social responsibility experts, offers the opportunity to work with purpose. 

Careers at Accor empower you to directly contribute to creating a more sustainable and impactful world.

Join us, and be part of a future where sustainability, growth, and purpose go hand in hand.