Leading the Way: Building a Sustainable Future in Hospitality

In the face of urgent environmental challenges, the hospitality industry is being called upon to play a leading role in sustainability. At Accor, we recognize that sustainability isn’t just a trend — it’s a critical responsibility, as we aim to create long-term value for both the planet and our business.  

Building off the trends and insights revealed in The New Quality Time, we recently hosted an intimate and expansive roundtable discussion with leaders in the sustainability space, highlighting the transformative journey towards greener hotels and eco-conscious practices. 

Key Concepts: 

• Sustainability as a business imperative: ESG is increasingly a requirement for success, driven by customer, government, investor, and employee demands. It's no longer a marketing tool, but a core strategy. 
• Operational and environmental impact: Hotels are focusing on reducing energy consumption, improving building efficiency, and shifting habits, all while maintaining luxury standards. Conversion projects are preferred over new builds due to their lower environmental impact. 
• Food and waste management: Efforts to reduce food waste (e.g., Too Good To Go) and promote local, seasonal, and vegetarian options, with a strong focus on educating both staff and guests about sustainable practices. 
• Long-term transformation and ethical engagement: ESG is viewed as a long-term investment, with a focus on community engagement, ethical sourcing, and creating long-term value through sustainability efforts. 

Agnès Roquefort, Accor’s Group Chief Development Officer for Luxury & Lifestyle, discussing people at the heart of Accor’s sustainability approach. 

The roundtable featured thought leaders from diverse backgrounds, each offering unique perspectives on the future of sustainable hospitality.  

André Heintz founder of Heintz Immobilier et Hôtellerie Group, brought a practical perspective, discussing how sustainable practices can be effectively implemented in hotel operations. Drawing from his own experiences as an owner of several Accor-branded properties, he provided real-world examples of sustainable strategies. 

Vanguelis Panayotis President of MKG Consulting, shared his expert insights on industry metrics and the long-term benefits of sustainable hospitality practices. He highlighted how the hospitality sector has shifted, stressing that sustainability is no longer an optional choice but a crucial necessity.

Alice VACHET a consultant and speaker on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), focused on the intersection of business strategy and environmental responsibility. She underscored the growing need for transparency and immediate action in the industry.  

Finally, Agnès Roquefort , Accor’s Group Chief Development Officer for Luxury & Lifestyle, led the conversation. With her extensive experience in hospitality and her deep passion for sustainability, Agnès emphasized the importance of integrating sustainable development practices into both business strategy and hotel design. 

Together, these leaders offered valuable insights into how the hospitality industry can adopt more sustainable practices while meeting the increasing demand for eco-friendly travel options. 

Discover the full roundtable here.

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a critical element for the future of hospitality. As the conversation around sustainability continues to evolve, we are proud to be at the forefront of creating a greener, more responsible future for hospitality. 

We invite you to watch the full roundtable on YouTube, and revisit Chapter 5 of The New Quality of Time, “Protecting the Future Now”, to dive deeper into these topics and discover Accor’s commitments to: 

• Sustainable Hospitality: Accor is committed to reshaping the future of hospitality by integrating sustainability into every aspect of our operations. Utilizing energy-efficient designs and materials, we strive to reduce our environmental impact while enhancing the guest experience. As we continue our journey, our focus remains on reducing emissions, conserving water, and minimizing waste. 
• Long-Term Impact: Sustainability is a long-term investment. Hotels are increasingly prioritizing sustainable practices that not only benefit the environment but also integrate local ecosystems and communities. Through initiatives such as the development of energy-efficient buildings and partnerships with local suppliers, Accor is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our operations globally. 
• Eco-Conception: Our approach to sustainability begins at the very foundation of hotel development. Accor’s Greet brand is a prime example, designed with a circular economy in mind. By reusing materials and avoiding the unnecessary production of new goods, greet hotels reduces waste and offers sustainable alternatives from the ground up. 
• Green Development: Through pioneering efforts such as the installation of photovoltaic panels and the promotion of water conservation, Accor is leading the way in green development. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. 

Read the “The New Quality of Time” Report here.