AccorInvest’s Food Waste Reduction initiative

AccorInvest, managing over 700 hotels globally, is committed to reducing food waste as part of its sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. The initiative aims to cut food waste by 30-50% by 2026, establishing industry benchmarks in environmental responsibility.

The initiative involves categorizing hotels into three groups based on food and beverage (F&B) operations to develop tailored action plans. Key practices include training staff on waste reduction, implementing advanced technologies such as smart scales, and partnering with organizations like Orbisk and Winnow. These collaborations optimize waste tracking and reduction, integrating artificial intelligence for better kitchen management.

Innovative solutions to manage residual waste locally are central to the program. Examples include composting, anaerobic digestion, and partnerships with companies like Moulinot. Additionally, surplus food is redirected through collaborations with NGOs and initiatives like Too Good To Go, reducing waste while supporting communities.

A pilot program conducted in 2023 across 15 hotels demonstrated significant success, achieving up to a 50% reduction in food waste within six months. For instance, the Novotel London Excel prevented 24.7 tons of CO2 emissions annually by halving its waste. Due to these results, the initiative secured support from ADEME, France’s environmental agency, for a broader rollout.

By 2024, AccorInvest plans to expand the initiative to over 45 additional hotels. Early adopters like Pullman London St Pancras and Mercure Toulouse Compans have already shown promising results. Through staff engagement, advanced tools, and strategic partnerships, AccorInvest aims to lead the hospitality industry in sustainability, minimizing environmental impact while fostering a culture of innovation and responsibility.