The Accor North America pilot will involve 20 properties from the Motel 6, Sofitel and Studio 6 brands. The selected properties will participate in the entire Green Key certification process, which includes:

· A comprehensive, 150-question online self-audit covering a broad range of operational areas and sustainable practices

· A ranking from one to five Keys based on responses to audit questions

· A performance report with recommendations, best practices and potential areas for improvement and savings

· Listing on the www.greenkeyglobal.com Web site, a resource for environmentally conscious travelers

· Access to online member resources and tools

· Onsite verification of self-audit responses by Green Key auditors

Over the course of the pilot project, Accor’s corporate leadership will evaluate the program and decide whether to move forward with a larger rollout across the U.S.

“We are confident that Green Key will become an important part of Accor North America’s efforts to protect and preserve the environment,” said Tony Pollard, managing director of Green Key Global.

The cornerstone of the Green Key program is its focus on sound, sustainable practices specifically for the lodging industry. The audit was developed by two leading environmental engineering firms with support from the Canadian government, and is designed to withstand the scrutiny of a wide range of environmental experts.

The program had been operating exclusively in Canada since 1997 prior to its launch in the U.S. this September. There are currently more than 1,200 Green Key members, including 21 Accor properties in Canada.

“Our Green Key properties in Canada have touted the environmental, financial and marketing benefits of the program for several years,” explained Renée Swoger, manager of energy & environment services for Accor North America, based in Dallas. “We have been waiting for Green Key to migrate to the United States for some time; needless to say, we are eager to launch the pilot.”