Environmental concerns have played a key role at Rezidor since the mid-1990s, when a formal environment programme was put in place. In 2001, responding to increasing demands from guests, corporate clients, employees and owners, Rezidor introduced its Responsible Business Programme. Hotels play an important role in the tourism and travel industry, which contributes to the economic development of local communities around the world. We realise that we cannot thrive without the help of the community and the surrounding environment. Every year, we host more than 11 million guests in our 225 hotels, located in 41 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We take our role seriously; facilitating the preservation of local traditions as well as supporting the protection of cultural heritage sites and the natural environment.

Our Responsible Business programme was introduced in 2001 in response to increasing demands from guests, corporate clients, employees and owners. An environmental programme has however been in place since the mid 1990s. Within the Responsible Business programme, we are dedicated to three main areas of responsibility. First, taking responsibility for the health and safety of employees and customers. Second, respecting social and ethical issues in the company, as well as in the community. Third, reducing our negative impact on the environment. <Moreover, employee well-being is vital, as we are a service industry and depend on our employees’ professional and hospitable interaction with guests. Guest health and safety is also important, taking into account issues such as safety, non-smoking environments, healthy and ethical eating, and accessibility. Ethical behaviour and legal compliance with international standards are essential as we operate in a variety of countries and political systems. Finally, climate change is a compelling issue for us as we are a contributor to global warming due to our energy consumption, and can potentially be seriously impacted by the effects of climate change.

Important events during 2006 were: receiving the HOFTEL Award for "Owner-Friendly Innovation of the Year"; reintroduction of quarterly reporting as mandatory for managed and leased hotels; and making the annual General Manager conference a carbon neutral event.

Our ambition is to be a good company to work for, stay with and invest in. This means that we take our commitment to being a responsible business seriously and aim to be among the leaders in this field.

Pia Heidenmark Cook
Vice President, Responsible Business