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DAYTONA BEACH –
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the Hilton Garden Inn Daytona Beach
Airport to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The property is the 268th in the state to become a designated
member of the program. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with technical assistance,
encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural
resources.
“DEP is excited to welcome the Hilton Garden Inn to the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said DEP Central
District Director Vivian Garfein. “The Hilton is setting an example for other lodging facilities in Volusia
County by implementing green practices such as water conservation, recycling and energy reduction.”
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 through low flow plumbing
fixtures, a linen reuse program, 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.
"The Florida Green Lodging designation represents the Hilton Garden Inn Daytona Beach Airport's step into
the future,” said Richard Pazmino, General Manager. “This is how business will be done; the days of
disposables and excessive consumption are over."
Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels
and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. In 2007 Governor Crist signed three executive
orders initiating state energy-use policies, including one that requires state agencies and departments to
hold meetings and conferences only at hotels with the Florida Green Lodging Program designation as of
January 1, 2008, whenever possible. With the addition of the Hilton Garden Inn Daytona Beach Airport, the
program has 268 designated properties and nearly 400 applicants. 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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