AccorHotels is all set to restructure its Planet 21 programme. The group introduced this programme in 2012, which is a global sustainable development programme that defines 21 specific commitments and quantifiable goals for hotels to comply with by 2015, within seven pillars: Health, Nature, Carbon, Innovation, Local, Employment and Dialogue.
Speaking about the development Ashwin Shirali, Regional Director of Talent & Culture, AccorHotels, India said, “To create the next step of our Planet 21 programme, from 2016-2020, AccorHotels reviewed its fundamentals: reassessed its environmental footprint, measured its socio-economic footprint, and asked its guests what they thought. Based on the results of this approach, the revised programme has been structured into four areas of action with a detailed roadmap to 2020 enlisting its employees, customers, partners and local communities, and two priorities, namely food and beverage, and buildings.”
Between 2011 and 2015, AccorHotels raised awareness and participated in concrete initiatives on local and global scales. AccorHotels’ 2015 Planet 21 goals showed a track record in implementing real change. In Asia Pacific, the results reflected that 96 per cent of hotels purchase and promote locally-sourced products, 99 per cent of hotels ban endangered seafood from restaurant menus, 91 per cent of hotels recycle their waste, 98 per cent of hotels promote balanced dishes, 95 per cent of hotels organise disease prevention training for employees, and 97 per cent of hotels use eco-labelled products.
Speaking specifically about the India market, Shirali added, “In India, significant progress can be seen in the areas of energy and water consumption reduction through investment in greener technologies and staff education. AccorHotels India leads the Group in renewable energies like solar panels, with nearly a third of AccorHotels in India using some form of renewable energy today. Today, almost all our properties in the country have achieved a minimal Bronze standard while some flagship hotels have achieved the prestigious Platinum standard. We have set ambitious targets for reducing water consumption, energy use and carbon emissions, but, just as importantly, Planet 21 include action on child protection, disease prevention, employee development and other social commitments not only to the planet but also to people.”
The ‘AccorHotels Centre of Hope’ in India is one of the examples of the spirit of solidarity shown by the employees globally. Since 2012, AccorHotels in India and Solidarity AccorHotels have supported the ‘AccorHotels Centre of Hope’ in New Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai. The centre offers meaningful and quality vocational training in hospitality and retail to underprivileged young adults with our employees actively taking part in training courses and tutoring the young people during their internships.
He said, “Over the years, this initiative has helped over 200 young adults overcome social and financial barriers and equipped themselves with marketable skills resulting in over 100 of them finding gainful employment through placements. In addition, AccorHotels has supported a community of 60 women living with HIV/AIDS by helping them become self-sufficient through the Mallika Sewing Program in Hyderabad.”
