Sustainable practices in hotels across North and Central America

From Cancún to Toronto, hotels are rethinking how energy flows through their spaces. Motion sensors soften the lights when no one's there, while smart thermostats quietly adjust to the perfect temperature. Natural light fills the rooms by design. Efficiency becomes part of the atmosphere, subtle but intentional.

Technology leads the way, but the soul is in the details. A hotel in Miami captures the ocean breeze to ease its cooling systems. In Mexico City, rooftops gather sunlight to power everyday luxuries. Every choice reflects a deeper care for the environment, creating spaces where sustainability feels as natural as hospitality itself.

At Accor Hotels, the journey toward lower emissions feels like a rhythm woven into every stay. Smart lighting greets guests gently as they enter a lobby. Heating and cooling systems awaken only where and when needed. Behind the scenes, solar panels and advanced building controls quietly work together, turning sunlight and intention into comfort that leaves a lighter mark on the world.

Imagine a morning routine where water moves with intention and care. Low-flow fixtures and precise monitoring ensure that every drop serves a purpose. In showers and guest rooms alike, guests can feel how small changes create calm spaces that honor natural resources by design instead of excess.

In the heart of Mexico City, Novo Mexico City Centro Histórico blends colonial charm with forward-thinking solutions. Solar-heated water, energy-saving systems and optimized lighting create an atmosphere where heritage and sustainability coexist beautifully. Meanwhile, at ibis Copacabana Post 5, just steps from Rio's iconic beachfront, every detail reflects a commitment to care for guests and the coastal environment, from efficient cooling to reduced water consumption.

Across the Pacific, in Australia, sustainability moves with a local rhythm. Mantra Albury features energy-smart architecture and thoughtful daily practices that weave environmental care into every stay. At Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff, the connection between nature and comfort is seamless. Each space is designed to respect the surroundings while offering a relaxing experience that feels both effortless and intentional.

Across Accor properties in North and Central America, thoughtful systems are turning everyday operations into opportunities to reduce waste and preserve resources. Our hotels have adopted selective waste collection, sorting materials to increase recycling rates and divert reusable items from landfills. Organic waste is managed with innovative technology that transforms food scraps into nutrient-rich byproducts without the usual composting logistics. This not only lightens the load on the local waste system but also cuts emissions and supports cleaner kitchens and storage areas.

Water conservation is another key focus, with smart fixtures and monitoring tools helping teams track usage in real time. Guests can choose to reuse towels and linens, contributing to fewer wash cycles and less water drawn from local supplies. Behind the scenes, cutting edge systems gently redirect treated water where appropriate for irrigation and cleaning, allowing hotels to honor natural resources while maintaining the quality and comfort guests expect.

Step into an Accor dining space and you will feel the intention behind every ingredient according to our commitment to lower emissions. Kitchens source organic produce and locally grown ingredients to celebrate regional flavors while reducing transport miles. Menus are crafted to avoid excess with seasonal offerings that shift with the land and sea, making each meal a moment of connection between place and palate.

Chefs and teams work together to minimize food waste through careful planning and creative reuse of ingredients that might otherwise be discarded. Leftovers are thoughtfully handled with systems that track usage and help forecast needs more accurately. The result is a dining experience that delights the senses while honoring the planet's bounty.

In Accor hotels across the Americas, sustainability is not an isolated effort, it's a system. Behind the guest experience lies a network of decisions designed to optimize every resource, from energy to water to materials. Digital tools help teams track performance in real time, allowing swift adjustment and smarter planning.

Supply chains are also getting a sustainable makeover. Accor prioritizes responsible sourcing, choosing vendors that share its environmental values. From eco-friendly cleaning products to locally made amenities, the focus is on quality that respects both people and the planet. By making each choice count, the brand turns operations into a living, breathing example of conscious hospitality.

On average, our hotels consumed 269 kWh/m² of energy per occupied room in 2024, a 4% reduction compared to 2023. To improve energy efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint, we continuously implement tailored measures for each hotel to enhance conservation, boost efficiency, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

Our hotels consume an average of ~500 liters of water per occupied room. From guest bathrooms to laundry services, swimming pools, and landscaping, water plays a fundamental role in our operations. Evaluating this dependency and addressing its effects is a crucial step towards more sustainable water management.

Our Circular Economy strategy relies on the well-known concept of “refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, recycle” – (re)designing hotels and rooms with the Design & Technical Services team, adapting operations​, managing products’ end of life​, and setting new standards.

When you choose to stay at an Accor hotel in vibrant destinations like New York, Mexico City or Miami, you become part of a larger story of care and mindful travel. Guests are invited to take small easy actions that have a big impact, from reusing towels to joining community beach clean-ups and learning about water-saving gardens around the property. At Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, thoughtful design meets cultural flair while energy-smart systems work quietly behind the scenes. In Miami Beach, the Novotel Miami Brickell offers refreshing breezes and efficient water-use steps that make every moment feel purposeful and pleasant. These experiences turn stays into meaningful choices that respect local communities and the planet.

And there is even more to discover when you join ALL Loyalty for free. Members unlock exclusive benefits while contributing to sustainability through personalized offers that reward conscious travel. Imagine earning points every time you embrace eco-friendly options and use them for future stays or experiences that matter to you. Sign up now and turn your next journey into a celebration of mindful living and unforgettable hospitality.