In response to growing consumer demand for sustainability, SOCOTEC Certification International has established sustainability standards tailored for the hospitality industry. With reports indicating that 73% of consumers expect brands to actively reduce their environmental impact, and 54% considering the presence of sustainability certifications when choosing hotels, the significance of such certifications cannot be overstated. SOCOTEC aims to align the industry with societal and environmental goals while meeting both consumer expectations and sector requirements.
Sustainability Standards for the Hospitality Sector
Xavier Daniel, Managing Director of SOCOTEC Certification International, emphasizes the company's alignment with global sustainability benchmarks: "By being granted the recognition status by the GSTC, we have proven that our standards are fully aligned with the high level of quality that the market is expecting and the sector deserves." He further notes the integration of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their standards, specifically adapted for hospitality. This long-standing expertise in creating sector-specific standards aims at building consumer trust and fulfilling corporate social responsibility (CSR) expectations.
Comprehensive Onsite Audits
SOCOTEC has conducted onsite audits in nearly 90 hotels across France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. These audits assessed 125 critical items within five categories: Sustainable Management System, Governance, Social, Culture, and Environment. The evaluation extends from strategic operations to preserving biodiversity, promoting local employment, and encouraging the development of local culture and heritage. A dedicated task force at B&B HOTELS, involving over 70,000 stakeholders, has been engaged in comprehensive sustainability assessments over a period exceeding 120 days.
Pioneering Hospitality Sustainability Certification
SOCOTEC's certification milestone includes the first and distinctive three-year Sustainability Certification for B&B HOTELS, encompassing 477 hotels alongside national departments and headquarters. The certification agreement is seen as paving the way for future sustainable business practices within the hospitality sector. During the ceremony, both CEOs of B&B HOTELS and the SOCOTEC Group expressed confidence that these standards will unlock new avenues for sustainability-focused growth within the industry.
SOCOTEC as a Trusted Leader
Hervé Montjotin, CEO of the SOCOTEC Group, describes SOCOTEC as an independent and trusted partner specializing in construction, real estate, and infrastructure. "SOCOTEC is an independent trusted third-party that specializes in the construction, real estate, and infrastructure sectors. We accompany all environmental and energy transitions towards more resilient and green awareness and practices," stated Montjotin. He highlights the organization's proactive role in navigating regulatory demands and evolving consumer expectations, serving approximately 200,000 clients with expertise and experience worldwide.
With 73% of consumers who believe brands must act now for the good of society and reduce their impact on the planet, and 54% of consumers say they filter their choice of hotels according to the presence or absence of certification, having hotels commit to certify their management system on sustainability has become even more critical.
SOCOTEC Certification International has developed standards for the Hospitality sector in order to accompany this sector towards more social, business ethics, environmental, and energy compliance, in line with the consumers’ expectations and the sector’s requirements.
Sustainability standards
For Xavier Daniel, the managing director of SOCOTEC Certification International, “By being granted the recognition status by the GSTC, we have proven that our standards are fully aligned with the high level of quality that the market is expecting and the sector deserves.”
“Our Sustainability standards are embedding the SDGs requirements (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) that we adapted to the Hospitality sector.”
“Our long history in providing sector-driven standards is making a difference, even more because CSR requirements and compliance have to be fully adapted to high expectations, especially in that sector, and consumers need to build trust towards the hotels they choose. “
“Travelers have developed high consciousness on their carbon footprint, and action plans to become more resilient need to be adapted to the sector."
Onsite audits
SOCOTEC managed onsite audits in almost 90 hotels in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain
SOCOTEC managed onsite audits in almost 90 hotels in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, verifying 125 items in 5 categories (Sustainable Management System, Governance, Social, Culture, and Environment).
From strategy to operations, nothing has been left apart from preserving biodiversity, ecosystems, and landscapes, to promoting local employment and staff engagement, and to working for the development of local culture and heritage.
A full-time task force has been committed at B&B HOTELS to analyze current status and gaps, and more than 70,000 stakeholders have been involved alongside the process (clients, employees, suppliers, landlords, managers) in 4 countries for more than 120 days.
Sustainability Certification of the Hospitality sector
SOCOTEC has now certified for 3 years the B&B HOTELS (477 hotels, 4 national departments and the Headquarters) with the first and unique Sustainability Certification of the Hospitality sector.
The ceremony shows the 2 CEOs of B&B HOTELS and of the SOCOTEC Group confident that this very important step will provide new opportunities, as this certification is now paving the way for future sustainable business in this sector, since these certification standards are available for the Hospitality sector.
Trusted third-party
For Hervé Montjotin, CEO of the SOCOTEC Group: “SOCOTEC is an independent trusted third-party that specializes in the construction, real estate, and infrastructure sectors. We accompany all environmental and energy transitions towards more resilient and green awareness and practices.”
“With our global footprint and 5,500 engineers, we are leading these transitions across an even more demanding context and regulations, and high expectations from all consumers. We are on the solution side, helping our 200,000 clients around the world to benefit from our expertise and experience.”
