NORTHLAKE, TEXAS -- For years now, Motel 6 commercials have ended with the phrase, “We'll leave the light on for you”. Now, the type of light, along with many other room features will have a green feel.
If a traveler decides to stop at the Motel 6 in Northlake, Texas, they may notice something different about this location.
This is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified economy hotel in the nation. That means it was built with very high environmental standards; like the thermal solar water heater on the roof that handles the water system and it also supplements the heating system for the shared public areas. That heated water also comes out of efficient faucets. The bathroom has very low flow faucets, shower heads, and the toilets are low flow flush.
Even the outside of this hotel is eco-friendly. The pool is made of salt water and the plants are hearty and native to Texas, so they don't need a lot of water. This design is called the Phoenix model.
While this location in Northlake is the first, it won't be the last.
Robert Moore, from Motel 6, says "you know we need to sustain this planet that we live on. This motel has been open for nearly a year, and it's already beginning to see the savings. It is running 20% lower on electricity, 20% lower on gas and 33% lower on water."
And while the chain has stuck with its low prices, Moore says spokesman Tom Bodet may have to alter his slogan to “And we'll leave the low energy efficient light on for you."
