Our Sustainability Journey 

Environmental and societal change have long been at the heart of our Group’s values. We initiated our first charter for women in the workforce in the 1970s and we’ve kept up the momentum ever since with the creation of an Environmental department, the launch of our endowment fund, as well as the implementation of a wide range of initiatives from reforestation projects to networks fostering gender equality within the Group. 

The timeline below reflects our long-term commitment to transforming hospitality, highlighting different steps we’ve taken to change mindsets and the way we do business, always striving to do better.

1970

Launch of a Gender Equality at Work Charter

Accor adopts its first Gender Equality at Work Charter with the implementation of an action plan for women in the workplace.

1994

Establishment of an Environment department

The first of its kind at a CAC 40 French company, it shows our forward-thinking mindset well in advance of today’s sustainable transformation imperative.

2007

Signature of the Group’s First Diversity Agreement

An agreement to ensure that fostering a culture of diversity becomes a priority amid teams around the globe.

2008

Creation of the Accor Heartist Solidarity Endowment Fund

A fund to promote the training and professional integration of the most disadvantaged in our communities.

2009

Launch of  ‘Plant for the Planet’ Program

To encourage guests to reuse their bath towels, with hotels donating half of their laundry budget savings to finance tree plantation projects.

2011 – 2015

Launch of 'Planet 21'

A sustainable development program based on 7 pillars and 21 commitments by 2015.

2012

Creation of Women at Accor Generation (now RiiSE)

Our gender diversity network dates back to more than 10 years and has grown to a worldwide community that is committed to act for equal rights for all, focusing on empowerment and ending discrimination & violence.

2014

Launch of Our WATCH (We Act Together for Children) Program

To fight child sexual exploitation in our hotels.

2015

Signature of ILO’s Global Business and Disability Network Charter

To provide equal opportunities for every differently abled team member by promoting equality in the workplace and actively working towards the prevention of discrimination.

Support of the HeForShe Movement by UN Women

Women's Empowerment Principles signature and involvement in the HeForShe movement impact 10x10x10 convened by UN Women.

2016

Launch of ‘Planet 21, Acting Here’ 

Our comprehensive sustainable development program setting new industry standards, with 75+ initiatives, including 10 mandatory actions, enabling hotels to progress on social, societal and environmental challenges.

2017

Partnership With Energy Observer

A long-term collaboration with the world’s first self-sufficient, hydrogen-powered, zero-emission sea vessel. Together, we aim to develop sustainable solutions for the hotel of the future.

2019

Accor Joins the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

The Group commits to reducing 46% of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and makes a long-term commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

2020

Creation of the ALL Heartist Fund

A 70-million-euro fund for Accor team members and their partners impacted by the Covid health crisis. 

Commitment to Eliminate All Single-Use Plastics in the Guest Experience by end 2022

A commitment taken to eliminate or replace with sustainable alternatives 46 guest-facing single-use plastic items throughout our hotels.

2021

Accor Joins Forces with Global Industry Players Within the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

The Group becomes part of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA), which drives collaborative action to enable companies within the industry to operate responsibly and grow sustainably.

Launch of Accor’s First Sustainability-Linked Bond

A 700-million-euro bond allowing investors to invest in Accor based on the Group's commitments and performance in sustainability.

Reinforcing our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion 

Accor becomes co-leader of the action coalition on gender-based violence convened by UN Women in 2022. The Group also becomes a member of the Valuable 500 focusing on inclusion for people with disabilities.

2022

Accor Joins the Global Sustainable Tourism Council

In August 2022, Accor joins the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the leading organization for sustainability in the hospitality industry. Through this membership, Accor aims to elevate the global and brand standards for sustainable travel and tourism.