Brune Poirson, Chief Sustainability Officer & Exec. Committee Member at ACCOR at the Adopt AI Summit – How to combine the use of AI and environmental transition

In the case of sustainability, the business model of such a big group needs to be rethought. As a top hospitality company, Accor needs to open one hotel per day. Therefore, the key challenge for Accor is to transition from a quantity-based model to a quality-ased model in hospitality. Accor aims to transform hotels into “third spaces” for work, meetings, and various activities, optimizing the use of underutilized spaces.

Accor focuses on three main areas for sustainable operations. First, water conservation by replacing bathtubs with showers to reduce water usage. Second, culinary experience by shifting to less meat-based menus, which impacts carbon and water footprints significantly. Finally, mobility by promoting the use of bicycles and trains over aviation, with partnerships like the one with SNCF.

“Increasingly, we need to move away from mitigation but really to adaptation, and that’s where adaptation is a real challenge and that’s where AI can really help.”

Brune Poirson, Chief Sustainability Officer and Executive Committee Member at Accor

AI offers solutions for managing large environmental datasets, improving predictions for extreme weather events, and enhancing decision-making. AI can forecast the impact of climate events, aiding industries in planning and adaptation. AI can also influence better decision making. For example what king of housing needs to be built, where, how ? Adaptation is a real challenge today and that is where AI can really help.

In the case of food waste reduction, AI tools like connected scales help kitchens track and reduce food waste by identifying waste patterns and improving menu planning. AI is also a predictive analytics tool : tools like “Full Soon” predict guest numbers and preferences, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing waste.

AI can enhance personalized guest experiences through advanced chatbots with cognitive abilities, tailoring services like room temperature settings. AI can relieve hotel staff from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on guest interaction and personalized service.

Accor uses AI to accelerate employee training and development, empowering staff and providing career growth opportunities, embodying the concept of a “social elevator.

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