Accor has joined the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, a global organization that brings together hospitality companies and uses the industry’s collective power to address and tackle key challenges affecting the planet and its people.

“Sustainability and social responsibility are essential to our business,” said Sébastien Bazin, chairman and CEO of Accor. “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 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 challenge.”

Madhu Rajesh, CEO of Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said Accor’s expertise and commitment towards sustainability will make a valuable addition to the best practices of its existing members.

The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance drives collaborative action and develops free practical resources and programs to enable the wider industry with leading hospitality companies and strategic partners to operate responsibly and grow sustainably. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Alliance is committed to pilot continued actions on a range of social and environmental issues including human rights, youth employment, climate action, and water stewardship.

The Alliance’s members make up 25 percent of the global hotel industry by rooms. Its 14 hotel company members include Hilton, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and Radisson Hotel Group.

Sustainable travel and reduced environmental impact have been part of Accor’s DNA since it was founded in 1967.

As part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, in 2011 Accor identified 21 areas of business activity where significant improvements could be made and then set policies for measurable actions and goals. These initiatives include targets around reducing energy and water consumption, a move towards carbon-neutral buildings, and the promotion of healthier and sustainable food with a drastic reduction in food waste.