Florida's Lodging Industry Goes Above and Beyond Green

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently designated 36 properties in the Florida Green Lodging Program, including recognizing the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center with a Two Palm designation for its continuing and increased energy conservation and pollution prevention measures since original designation in 2004. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with free technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste, conserve natural resources and improve the bottom line.

“We are pleased to welcome these properties to our program, which now consists of 361 designated properties statewide,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “We applaud the new members, as well as our newest designated Two Palm property, for helping us work toward a sustainable future.”

Several of the recently designated properties are implementing practices above and beyond what is required for program designation. The Embassy Suites Tampa Westshore Airport conserves water by using a special dehumidifier which creates drinking water for its employees. The Doubletree Guest Suites Tampa Bay preserves energy by using an on-demand heat source for its ovens and deep-fryers; while many of the signature dishes of the Sanibel Inn’s restaurant feature fruits, vegetables and herbs grown in the property’s edible garden.

The 36 new program members are:

Northeast District:

• Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Lake City
• Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk, Jacksonville
• Radisson Hotel, Jacksonville
• Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, Gainesville

Northwest:

• Ramada Plaza Beach Resort, Ft. Walton Beach

Central:

• Grand Bohemian Hotel, Orlando
• Ginn Reunion Resort – Reunion Grande
• Walt Disney World Swan, Lake Buena Vista
• Walt Disney World Dolphin, Lake Buena Vista
• Holiday Inn Express, Inverness
• Caribe Royale, Orlando
• Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront, Melbourne
• Floridays Resort, Orlando
• Sleep Inn & Suites, Ocala
• Courtyard by Marriott Village Orlando (Vineland Avenue)
• Comfort Suites, N. Orange Ave, Orlando
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott Village
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Nearest to Universal Studios
• Springhill Suites Marriott Village, Orlando

South:

• Crowne Plaza La Concha, Key West
• Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa, Marco Island
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Fort Myers
• Sanibel Inn, Sanibel
• Song of the Sea, Sanibel
• Sunset Beach Resort, Sanibel
• Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, Naples

Southwest:

• Embassy Suites Tampa Westshore Airport
• Doubletree Guest Suites Tampa Bay
• Springhill Suites by Marriott Tampa/Westshore

Southeast:

• Renaissance Boca Raton Hotel
• Windsor Gardens Hotel & Conference Center
• Holiday Inn Express, Boca Raton
• Highland Beach Holiday Inn
• Courtyard by Marriott Hutchinson Island
• Holiday Inn, Port St. Lucie
• Hilton Garden Inn, Port St. Lucie

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. To date the program has 361 designated properties and more than 400 applications. 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/.