CARROLLTON, TEXAS—Accor North America, one of the largest hotel chain owners and operators in North America, was recently recognized as an Energy Star Leader by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for improving energy efficiency across its Red Roof Inn, Studio 6 and Motel 6 properties.
Energy Star Leaders are recognized as part of the EPA’s Energy Star Building Challenge, a program encouraging building owners and managers to reduce energy use by 10 percent or more. As part of the Energy Star Building Challenge, Accor North America joined 20 others as Energy Star Leaders recognized for improving the energy efficiency of buildings.
“We are very proud of our accomplishments in energy management and are honored to be acknowledged as an Energy Star Leader by the EPA,” says Dan Gilligan, vice president of utilities. “Energy efficiency has long been a priority for Accor, and we take great pride in developing energy management initiatives that help protect our environment every day.”
Energy Star Leader Criteria
To become an Energy Star Leader, a company must have energy efficiency improvements of 10, 20 or 30 points above the organization-wide baseline or have an average rating of 75 points or better portfolio-wide. The points are based on a number of factors including building size, location, number of occupants and number of computers.
These factors are then coupled with the energy input documented by the organization or company and compared to energy consumption of similar buildings. Fifty points is the average energy performance, with 100 points equaling the most efficient use of energy. Accor North America obtained its EPA honor by achieving a rating over 75 points, which is considered a top performance.
Having joined Energy Star in 2000, Accor North America has developed initiatives that require sharing, implementing and monitoring energy management standards throughout each of its hotel brands, including Red Roof Inn, Studio 6 and Motel 6. Accor North America also uses the Energy Star rating system to maintain its low energy consumption, as well as to identify exemplary hotel properties.
Businesses and organizations must first become an Energy Star Partner before being considered for the honor of Energy Star Leader. Once an Energy Star Partner, the EPA must be able to rate two or more of the partner’s facilities using its national energy performance rating system.
For more information on Accor North America and its sustainable development initiatives, visit www.accor-na.com.
