To coincide with National Tree Week, Accor’s sustainability programme Plant for the Planet will start planting 8,000 trees this month, as part of its “Smart Planting in the UK” project.
In 2013, Plant for the Planet embarked on a pioneering agro-forestry project designed to promote sustainable food production and nurture links between hotels, guests and farms. Plant for the Planet, Accor’s flagship sustainability programme, is funded by Accor from the savings which are made from guests choosing to reuse towels rather than sending them to be washed each night.
25,000 trees by end 2015
The Smart Planting initiative was launched in association with Pur Projet, the Woodland Trust, the Soil Association and the Organic Research Centre. UK farms in need of agro-forestry advice were identified and trees were planted in “smart ways” which cut costs, raise yields and improve the environment. Since November 2013, 12,082 trees have been planted and the scheme aims to plant 25,000 trees by end of 2015.
Accor’s partnership with Pur Projet, an organisation dedicated to combating climate change through reforestation and forest conservation efforts, has made it possible to deploy planting projects near Accor hotels all over the UK. The planted trees have helped farmers enrich the soil, improve water efficiency in crops, boost resilience against drought and reduce flood risk. The planting also nurtures pollinating insects and offers farmers an additional source of income from fruit, nuts and timber.
Commitment to sustainable development
Karelle Lamouche, VP CSR at Accor UK & Ireland, said: “Our agro-forestry projects in the UK are proof of our hotels’ growing commitment to sustainable development. National Tree Week it is a great chance to raise awareness of the importance of tree planting. Our Smart Planting programme is unique in the hospitality industry and the biggest of its kind in the UK. We are very proud that the programme has gone a long way to pioneering a sustainable eco-system.”
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