Applied to:
This award recognizes outstanding actions in the field of sustainable development that have contributed to ecological sustainability for the community, local populations, employees, and/or tourist sites as well as natural resources in the hospitality industry. The winning action will have demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability through innovative initiatives, effective management practices, and a measurable impact on reducing the industry's ecological footprint. This award recognizes programs that have made significant contributions towards a more sustainable future.
The project:
The Think Circular solution by AccorInvest addresses guest demand for fresh experiences and immediacy through sustainable, cost-effective hotel room staging, replacing traditional renovations. This approach benefits guests, operators, owners, and the environment by implementing circularity from room conception to lifecycle management.
THINK CIRCULAR reconciles guest satisfaction, responsible operations, and efficient investments. The K_AI room design for ibis hotels exemplifies this, featuring modular, sustainable furniture that is easy to clean, fix, and modify. When outdated, K_AI room components are reused, recycled, sold, or donated.
Developed since 2019 by AccorInvest Design experts with UPCYCLEA, the K_AI room concept prioritizes four KPIs: circularity, carbon footprint, toxicity, and operability. Piloted in six countries, including France, Germany, and the UK, the concept demonstrated significant benefits: renovation time reduced by 70%, costs by 20%, waste by 80%, and carbon footprint by 50%. The rooms use 42% recyclable or renewable materials and improve indoor air quality.
Guests enjoy regular design updates, healthier air, and responsible service, while operators and brand managers benefit from enhanced guest satisfaction, team well-being, and a positive brand image. Owners see better ROI, easier investment management, and increased asset value, alongside ESG commitments.
By the end of 2023, over 2,000 K_AI rooms will be implemented in 12 European ibis hotels. AccorInvest plans to expand THINK CIRCULAR to common areas, refurbishments, new constructions, and extensions, setting a new trend in sustainable renovations and responsible design across the hospitality and real estate sectors.
The Hospitality Awards celebrate innovation and excellence and highlight the most creative initiatives in a sector that is constantly and rapidly changing hospitality.
