hospitalitystyle.com

(October 2009) posted on Fri Oct 09, 2009 EDT

Eco-friendly property to seek LEED status

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Accor North America has opened the first newly built Motel 6 “Phoenix” prototype in the nation, in Northlake, Texas. The property features an all-new interior and exterior design, along with advanced technology and energy efficiency measures that the company hopes will net it LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

“As the first of its kind, this new property represents a big step for Accor in the continued growth and development of the Motel 6 brand,” said Olivier Poirot, ceo, Accor North America/Motel 6 and Studio 6. “We're happy to unveil the complete new look that guests can expect of Motel 6 as we continue our aggressive plans to implement this exciting new design and high standard of energy-efficiency.”

As the first newly-constructed “Phoenix” property, Motel 6 Northlake-Speedway features elements that Motel 6 guests have never seen before, including the new exterior designed by BOKA Powell of Dallas and a 24-hour food and beverage marketplace. In addition, the property features guest rooms bearing a modern, “Euro-chic” design created by London-based Priestmangoode.

Accor said the hotel will be the chain's first property to be submitted for LEED certification. The property's eco-friendly attributes include:

* Energy efficiency: Thermal solar water heating; reflective cool roof, low e-glass tinted windows, low-energy lighting (compact fluorescent and LED), high-efficiency PTAC units with wireless occupancy-sensing thermostats; high-efficiency laundry equipment with computer-controlled dryers; environmentally sensitive laundry and cleaning products; and a layout designed to get minimal western sun exposure to keep the building cooler in hotter months

*Water conservation: Native landscaping with water-efficient and drought-resistant plants; high-tech irrigation control; guestroom low-flow 1.1-gallon pressurized toilets; 0.5-gallon aerators in all sinks and 1.75 gallon-per-minute shower heads

* Building materials and recycling: Wood-effect flooring made of 80 percent pre-consumer recycled material which is longer-lasting and requires no vacuuming or steam-cleaning; use of certified sustainable lumber for construction; low-emitting construction material; waste recycling during construction.

Accor first unveiled the Motel 6 “Phoenix” prototype design in March 2008. Since late that year, Motel 6 has renovated approximately 50 of its existing corporate-owned locations in more than 20 U.S. markets with elements of the “Phoenix” room design.