Motel 6, Studio 6 Achieve 1,100 Property Green Key Certification
Motel 6 and Studio 6 have completed Green Key certification of the network’s 1,100 locations. After committing in January 2011 to rank and certify all properties within the network, the company achieved this goal in less than six months and continues the brands’ long-standing commitment to the environment and sustainability.
The Green Key Eco-Rating Program ranks, certifies and inspects hotels and resorts based on their commitment to sustainable “green” practices. The certification process consists of a comprehensive 150-question online self-assessment regarding corporate environmental strategy, housekeeping and engineering. The Green Key certification process also includes:
- Being ranked 1 to 5 Keys based on responses to audit questions
- Receipt of a performance report with recommendations, best practices and potential areas for improvement and savings
- Listing on the http://www.greenkeyglobal.com/ Web site, a valuable resource for environmentally-conscious travelers
- Access to online member resources and tools
- On-site verification of self-audit responses by Green Key auditors
To actively engage all general managers, the Motel 6/Studio 6 energy team developed an interactive online training course outlining the Green Key process and its importance at both a property and corporate level. This preparation meant general managers were equipped with the knowledge and insight to more effectively complete the Green Key self-assessment as part of the certification process.
“This approach proved to be very useful, as it made the certification process fairly seamless for the managers,” says Renee Swoger, director of energy & environment services for Accor NA. “As travelers are becoming savvier about choosing brands based on their environmental policies, Green Key certification is a great tool to help us educate our guests about our commitment to sustainability and efficient use of our resources.”
Each Motel 6 and Studio 6 location will soon display a plaque in the lobby indicating the hotel’s level of Green Key certification (one to five keys). Motel 6 and Studio 6 benefit from the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) partnership with Green Key, which offers members a significant discounted fee on the rating process.
Originally developed for the Hotel Association of Canada by a leading environmental engineering firm, the Green Key program focuses on sound sustainable practices, specifically in the lodging industry. By making this network-wide commitment to certifying 100 percent of their properties, Motel 6 and Studio 6 further expands the brands’ numerous eco-friendly endeavors.
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