Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Receives Raízen Power Certification for Decarbonization

Fairmont Rio de Janeiro reinforces its global commitment to sustainability and announces the receipt of the Raízen Power certification for carbon emissions reduction. The renewable energy company uses a calculation methodology developed by the GHG Protocol, the leading national and international program for quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, validated by organizations such as the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

The hotel — which prioritizes the ESG agenda — has implemented measures to minimize environmental impact since its opening. In 2024, it reduced 100% of its electricity emissions from January through December. Nearly 7,500 MWh were sourced from clean energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass, and small hydroelectric plants (PCH and CGH), with zero carbon emissions. This achievement is equivalent to planting over 2,700 trees in a reforestation initiative and avoiding nearly 400 tons of CO₂ emissions.

We are proud to be recognized with this certification, which contributes to the decarbonization of the environment. It reinforces our commitment to the energy transition. Since its opening, Fairmont Rio has considered ESG practices a core pillar. Combining hospitality excellence with social and environmental responsibility drives us to promote increasingly responsible tourism. Netto Moreira, General Manager of Fairmont Rio de Janeiro

Day-to-Day Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a daily priority at Fairmont Rio. The hotel uses efficient equipment, including LED lighting and air conditioning systems with heat recovery. The use of LED lamps guarantees a 33% reduction in lighting consumption, while thermal insulation and heat-recovery AC units contribute to an additional 34% in energy savings. A building automation system also allows real-time monitoring of energy use. The hotel offers free EV charging stations with European standard Type 2 plugs (11kW), compatible with all electric and hybrid vehicles using this standard.

Daily Commitment to the Planet

In addition to earning the Raízen Power certification, Fairmont Rio marked Earth Day (April 22) with two sustainability-driven initiatives. First, the hotel turned off its façade lights between 7 and 8 p.m. as a symbolic gesture. Second, it introduced the Zero Waste Drink, an exclusive cocktail created by mixologist Cassiano Melo, served at the Spirit Copa Bar from April 22 to 27. The recipe champions sustainability by using repurposed ingredients from the hotel’s daily operations. The base includes Pindorama Prata Cachaça, Lillet Blanc, citrus, orange bitters, and a syrup made from used espresso grounds from Fairmont’s café. It’s topped with orange foam and dehydrated herbs from the garden, reimagining ingredients that would typically go to waste. The cocktail is a liquid expression of Fairmont’s ESG philosophy: reducing waste and reusing resources wherever possible.

Sustainability as a Core Pillar

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was the first luxury hotel brand to embrace the sustainability cause and has maintained its commitment to reducing emissions for nearly 30 years.

Even before its opening, Fairmont Rio was built with sustainability in mind. All natural resources were legally sourced, and over 90% of construction waste was recycled or reused, earning the AQUA-HQE certification — an international sustainable construction label developed from France’s Démarche HQE (Haute Qualité Environnementale).

This commitment is visible in the hotel’s daily operations, from minimizing waste and using recyclable materials to reducing water and energy consumption and participating in beach clean-up efforts. Even the landscape design was created to minimize water usage by selecting low-irrigation native plants.

In 2024, Fairmont Rio received the Green Key international certification, the world’s most recognized sustainability label in the tourism sector. Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), it confirms the hotel’s commitment to exemplary social and environmental practices, including circular economy, responsible natural resource consumption, community engagement, and equality. Fairmont is the first hotel in Rio de Janeiro to earn this certification and joins a select group of just ten hotels in Brazil to hold this distinction.

The hotel also participates in the ‘Comida Invisível’ food recovery program — certified by the FAO/UN with the Save Food label. The initiative promotes conscious consumption and implements eco-friendly food waste stations for the entire Fairmont Rio team. Additionally, Fairmont is part of the Accor Group’s global FOOD Waste program, aiming to reduce food waste by 60% by 2030, exceeding the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 10%. Fairmont also supports the local community, prioritizing small producers and stimulating the regional economy.

About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group

Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.