Accor North America Targets Mercury at Its Motels
Accor North America, as part of the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP), will replace the fluorescent bulbs it currently uses in its hotels with low-mercury bulbs. It will also recycle the mercury from the bulbs it replaces in its properties across the United States and Canada.
"Protecting public health and the environment is a team effort," said EPA acting regional administrator Lawrence E. Starfield. "The efforts of partners such as Accor North America are helping EPA improve our environment while inspiring others to do the same."
Headquartered in Carrollton, Texas, the company operates more than 1,000 properties including nationwide economy leaders Motel 6 and Studio 6, Sofitel Luxury Hotels and upscale Novotel locations.
"Our commitment to environmental awareness and the green initiatives we have implemented throughout our organization are an important part of our business model, and they contribute significantly to our success," said Oliver Poirot, chief executive officer for Accor North America, Motel 6 and Studio 6."
NPEP is a voluntary program with more than 240 members from private and public organizations nationwide. The goal of the program is the reduction, reuse or recycling of 31 priority chemicals. Priority chemicals are long-lasting substances that can build up in the food chain and cause harm to humans and the environment.
For more information, go to http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/minimize/npep/index.htm.