Accor launches Planet 21

MANILA, Philippines - Building on almost two decades of best-in-class performance in sustainable development, Accor is taking its commitment to sustainability to a higher level with the announcement of Planet 21, a comprehensive sustainable development program that forms a core part of its business strategy and further involves all its hotels, employees and guests.

With Planet 21, Accor is making 21 commitments and the same number of quantified goals for 2015, including employees trained in disease prevention in 95 percent of its hotels; 80 percent of properties promoting balanced dishes; 85 percent of hotels using eco-labeled products; a 15 percent reduction in water consumption; and 10 percent decrease in energy use at Accor’s owned and leased hotels worldwide.

The name Planet 21 is a direct reference to Agenda 21, the environmental action plan signed by 173 heads of state at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, and reminds everyone of the urgent concerns that face the planet in the 21st century and the need to change methods of production and consumption patterns to ensure the sustainability of the Earth.

“At a time when the Group is embarking on a phase of brisk expansion, with the aim of becoming the global leader in the hotel industry, we are reaffirming our commitment to responsible growth capable of generating shared value for all,” said Denis Hennequin, chairman and chief executive officer of Accor.

“With the Planet 21 program, we are putting sustainable hospitality at the core of the Group’s strategy, development and innovation. I am convinced that sustainable development will lead us toward a new business model. Planet 21 will provide a fantastic driver of competitiveness for our brands, attractiveness for our customers and partners and loyalty for our employees,” Hennequin said.

Since 1994, when Accor first established its Environment Department, the Group has adopted numerous solutions to contribute to the development of local communities, reduce water and energy consumption, and limit the environmental footprint of its hotels.

With Planet 21, Accor is reinforcing its determination to put sustainable development at the heart of its activities: 21 commitments that involve customers, partners and employees in order to improve Accor’s sustainability performance.

For these reasons, the new Planet 21 strategy includes a program to engage customers, inviting them to contribute to the hotels’ actions and achievements.

From making a reservation to staying or dining in Accor hotels, customers will discover a rich and diverse array of messages that will encourage them to contribute actively to the hotel’s actions through a few simple gestures. The tone of the messages will be friendly and thoughtful, aimed at inspiring customers to participate.

In addition, Accor will actively engage its hotel owners to bring more franchised and managed hotels into the Planet 21 program — improving their sustainability performance and developing buildings that are constructed and operated in accordance with internationally recognized sustainability best practices. 

Accor will also share its commitments with suppliers, working with them to develop more sustainable products and services.

Accor, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is present in 90 countries with more than 4,400 hotels and 530,000 rooms.

Accor’s broad portfolio of hotel brands — Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, Adagio, ibis, all seasons/ibis Styles, Etap Hotel/Formule 1/ibis budget, hotelF1 and Motel 6 — provides an extensive offer from luxury to budget.

With 145,000 employees worldwide, the Group offers to its clients and partners nearly 45 years of knowhow and expertise.