Sustainability strategy: Quantis supports Accor’s innovative approach

This ambitious goal requires a thorough and accurate measurement of the Group’s greenhouse gas emissions, categorized into three scopes as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG): scope 1 (direct emissions), scope 2 (indirect emissions related to electricity purchases), and scope 3 (indirect emissions). Despite progress across sectors, tools and databases to better grasp Scope 3 emissions, accurately measuring scope 3 emissions has proven particularly challenging. This is due to the complexity of collecting data throughout the value chain, especially in the hospitality sector with data that are not always centralized nor harmonized across different hotel segments or brands.

Challenge

Recognizing the need for a more robust and pragmatic approach, Accor partnered with Quantis, CO2 AI and Wavestone to enhance its methodology for calculating scope 3 emissions. This collaboration aimed to overcome data challenges and to enhance the scalability of Accor’s carbon emissions calculation. It empowered internal stakeholders and the group to compute precise emissions data and monitor progress for each hotel on an annual basis. Leveraging environmental impact assessment data, expertise and tools, Quantis ensured that the new methodology could capture the full scope of Accor’s environmental impact.

To achieve this, Quantis and CO2 AI identified and categorized emissions into ten distinct areas: laundry, food and beverage, chemicals, waste, furniture, refrigerants, buildings construction/renovation, beds and mattresses, vehicles, and IT equipment. The next step consisted in building a methodology based on physical flows rather than expenditures, while capturing in the emissions calculation initiatives and practices launched by hotels. By leveraging more efficiently available hotel data, the new methodology not only improved the precision of emissions calculations but also enabled Accor to identify specific areas for targeted carbon reduction initiatives, driving the group’s sustainability efforts forward.

Partnering with Quantis and CO2 AI has been instrumental in advancing our sustainability goals. Their innovative methodology and software solution have provided us with robust tools to precisely measure and mitigate our carbon footprint, ensuring we meet our commitments to global sustainability.

Valérie de Robillard, Senior VP Environment, Accor Group

Results

The collaboration between Accor Group and Quantis yielded a robust sustainability methodology tailored specifically to the hospitality industry. By sharing this innovative approach, Accor aims to create collective momentum and encourage the adoption of a more comprehensive and ambitious common reporting framework across the industry.

Partnering with Quantis and CO2 AI has been instrumental in advancing our sustainability goals. Their innovative methodology and software solution have provided us with robust tools to precisely measure and mitigate our carbon footprint, ensuring we meet our commitments to global sustainability.

Quentin Witvoet, Carbon Manager, Accor Group

This initiative represents a sustainable approach that extends beyond Accor’s individual operations, reflecting the Group’s commitment to fostering positive environmental practices on a broader scale. With Quantis’ expertise, Accor is dedicated to building a business model that not only meets its environmental protection goals but also sets a standard for the industry. This effort has already proven successful, as Accor has been included for the first time in the list of companies rated A by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), recognizing its exceptional transparency, effective management of environmental risks, and ambitious climate action.