ESG (environment, social and governance) will take centre stage at this year’s Future Hospitality Summit/FHS World summit in Dubai later this month.
The world’s leading hospitality leaders will meet at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, 30 September to 2 October, to discuss what the industry is doing to push sustainability and what more can and needs to be done.
Talks will cover everything from decarbonisation and sustainability to data management and staff training.
Speakers will include Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability and Security Officer, Radisson Hotel Group; Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, Accor; Richard Williamson, Chief Operating Officer, Considerate Group; Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, and Dr. John Blakey, CEO, Executive Coach and Founder, The Trusted Executive.
According to Inge Huijbrechts, transition to net zero is essential: “Hotel groups need to use proven, transparent and verifiable methodologies to collect data and calculate their scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon footprints. The focus here is increasingly on auditability of the data and the decision processes, for example as prescribed in regulations such as CSRD. The next step is setting targets to move towards net zero, and report progress regularly. A widely recognised framework is SBTi – the Science Based Targets Initiative. Part of the data for any company will be a combination of accurate actuals and extrapolations. The trick is to get started and gradually decrease the extrapolated content.”
Duncan O’Rourke, of Accor, said doing enough is not enough anymore as there is a constantly growing sustainable expectation from all stakeholders – owners, clients, guests and staff.
“The first step in any sustainability action is assessing your current position through data and benchmarking to help identify the most impactful measures to be taken as a region or group when it comes to decarbonisation and commitment to net zero.
“At Accor, we operate over 1000 properties in MEA APAC with 282 properties across all brands in the Middle East as well as 111 properties in the pipeline including branded residences and immersive resorts. This requires us to consider our current portfolio, understand the projected growth and deploy energy efficiency measures alongside looking for green energy substitutes.”
Accor has clear objectives to reduce carbon emissions by 46% on scope 1&2 and 28% on scope 3 by 2030; eliminate single-use plastic; reinforce actions to reduce food waste in hotels; and continue to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion.
“Achieving these goals requires strong collaboration while understanding the unique nature and requirements of each property, country and region,” added Mr O’Rourke.
