May 23 – Atour Lifestyle Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: ATAT), a prominent hospitality and lifestyle company in China, has published its inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report for 2023.
The report details the company’s significant strides in sustainability, reflecting the integration of ESG principles into its daily operations.
Atour is committed to ecological sustainability, focusing on waste reduction and resource conservation. This is exemplified in the launch of two new hotel products, Atour Light 3.0 and Atour 4.0 “With Nature,” which employ modular designs that significantly reduce maintenance costs and construction waste. The modular elements make up over 90% and 80% of the designs, respectively.
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The company’s commitment extends to the amenities in its 1,210 hotels, featuring 100% biodegradable paper cups, natural cotton bedding, and bamboo paper products free from bleach and fluorescents. These eco-friendly initiatives are part of Atour’s broader sustainability strategy.
Water conservation is another key focus, with Atour implementing a dedicated-loop system for hot water circulation, reducing water consumption by 12.67 tons per room annually.
Atour also prioritizes customer experience through innovations such as Atour APLUS services and Late Night Congee.
These initiatives ensure a comfortable and secure stay for guests, emphasizing purified indoor air, fire safety, cleanliness, hygiene, and stringent privacy protection.
Support for franchisees is reinforced through Atour’s “Six Commitments to Franchisees” and “Eight Supply Chain Procurement Commitments,” which include responsive complaint handling and price adjustment guarantees. Training on sustainability practices further empowers franchisees.
Rooted in Yaduo, a village in southwestern China, Atour supports local economic development by purchasing tea from villagers, resulting in the procurement of 150 tons of processed tea leaves worth RMB 37 million, benefiting 1,400 households.
The company also engages in charitable activities, including donating clothing worth RMB 2 million and supporting poverty alleviation efforts.
In urban areas, Atour contributes to community well-being by providing resting spaces at its Shanghai headquarters for frontline workers such as couriers and sanitation workers during their breaks.
Atour’s dedication to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is evident, with over 58% of its 4,248 employees being female, along with the employment of 17 individuals with physical disabilities and 162 ethnic minorities.
On the corporate governance front, Atour has established an ESG working group that reports directly to its Executive Committee.
This group is tasked with implementing a comprehensive sustainability strategy across the company. Board diversity is also a focus, with current board composition including three independent directors and two female directors among its eight members.
Atour is aligned with its strategic vision of operating 2,000 premier hotels by 2025, emphasizing the “Chinese experience.” The company is set to increase its investment in ESG initiatives, aiming to enhance sustainable development.
Founder and CEO Mr. Haijun Wang expressed the company’s future aspirations: “We aim to enhance our sustainable development initiatives and capacities consistently, turning our original aspirations of warmth and generosity into increased resilience through concrete measures.
We remain committed to creating an intimate ambience where people can warmly connect and contributing to a greener ecology and a kinder, more compassionate society.”
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Source: Atour Unveils Sustainability Records in 2023 With Milestone ESG Report
