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~New Florida Green Lodging Program
designations get clean and green~
Ten new properties
recently joined the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s
(DEP) Florida Green Lodging Program and two existing members received
Two Palm designation, bringing the program total to 419. Florida Green
Lodging properties go green and save green by adopting practices that
reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
“By
minimizing waste, water and energy consumption, these properties are maximizing
their green potential – saving money and reducing their carbon
footprint,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn.
“As a state that depends heavily upon tourism, we value the proactive
measures adopted by these lodging facilities to protect Florida’s natural
beauty.”
Each
property must meet a minimum set of criteria for designation; however, many go
above and beyond what is required. Facilities can achieve up to three levels
of green within the Florida Green Lodging Program, ranging from One Palm
to Three Palm based on increased reductions in waste, water and energy
consumption. Lake Louisa and Silver River’s state park cabins use solar
technology and the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami uses green key cards that
biodegrade in a landfill or compost after 18 months.
New
designations statewide include:
Southwest
·
Tampa
Airport Marriott— 14th Two Palm
Southeast
·
Intercontinental
Hotel, Miami— 13th Two Palm
South
·
Banana
Bay Resort, Key West
·
Cayo
Costa State Park Cabins, Boca Grande
·
GreenLinks
Resort & Conference Center, Naples
·
The
Weatherstation Inn, Key West
Central
·
Lake
Louisa State Park Cabins, Clermont
·
Silver
River State Park Cabins, Ocala
·
The
Fountains Resort, Orlando
Northwest
·
Hampton
Inn, Tallahassee
·
Springhill
Suites, Tallahassee
·
Three
River State Park Cabins, Sneads
To
become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels
must implement a variety of green practices. These practices include, but are
not limited to, water conservation measures by installing low flow plumbing
fixtures and implementing a linen reuse program, and energy efficiency achieved
by installing ENERGY STAR® appliances and programmable thermostats. The
waste reduction criteria are met by providing the opportunity to recycle,
purchasing items in bulk, purchasing recycled materials and by recycling ink
and toner cartridges. All designated properties must also use green cleaners
and high efficiency air filters, and clean air handler units frequently.
Launched
in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes
environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources
and prevent pollution. As reward for designation, the state is recommending
designated properties in the Florida Green Lodging Program to companies
and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and
convention facilities. For more information about the Florida Green Lodging
Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.
DEP’s
Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary,
non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting
the environment. The Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging
Program and the Florida Pollution Prevention Program offer a variety of
services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops,
all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable
Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without
compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP’s
Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green/.
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