Key learnings from the discussion with Brune Poirson, Chief Sustainability Officer and Executive Committee Member at Accor, at the Adopt AI Summit by Artefact - June 5, 2024

About Brune Poirson: Brune Poirson, former Secretary of State for Ecological and Environmental Transition (2017-2020), is now the Chief Sustainability Officer at ACCOR. Poirson’s current mission is to guide ACCOR, a global hospitality company, toward a sustainable model amidst accelerating climate change and social inequalities.

Challenges and vision

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.

Sustainable operations

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 as a solutions for environmental management and adaptation

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.

AI in sustainability at Accor

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.

Future AI use cases in hospitality

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.

Social impact

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