Accor Strengthens Green Reputation with Wind Pact

Following on the heels of its decision to phase out incandescent light bulbs at its Motel 6 chain, Accor North America announces a new agreement between its Sofitel Hotels and wind energy supplier Community Energy, Inc. to purchase clean, renewable, wind energy for all nine Sofitel locations in the U.S.

 

These properties will buy a total of 1,527,000 kilowatt hours (kWhs) of renewable energy. The environmental benefit from this purchase is equivalent to planting more than 800 acres of trees each year or not driving 2.36 million miles.

 

This purchase of wind-generated power in the form of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) qualifies Sofitel Hotels as an EPA Green Power Partner, making them the first hotel chain to choose green power for each of the brand's hotel locations in the country.

 

"We're proud to step up as a leader in our industry and to do our part for the environment. Our customers recognize and value the commitment we've made to a safe and secure energy future. We hope others will follow our lead and make the choice as well," says Robert Moore, senior vice president of Technical Services for Accor North America.

 

Sofitel has also undertaken efforts to reduce water and energy usage such as the use of ozone laundry systems in its properties. Last September, Sofitel San Francisco Bay was honored nationally by the WateReuse Association as the 2007 Customer of the Year for becoming the first to collaborate with the City of Redwood City, Calif., on its Recycled Water Project.

 

In 2007, Accor North America's annual Earth Guest program led ongoing environmental initiatives including the planting of 20,000 trees representing each Accor employee in North America, implementation of a 65-point environmental check list at all properties and at the corporate headquarters, and donation of $375,000 to educational and charitable groups.