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KEY WEST - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Casa Marina Resort and Beach Club to the Florida Green Lodging
Program. The Casa Marina Resort is the 10th property to be designated in the
Florida Keys and the 138th in the state. 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.
“Participation in the Florida Green Lodging Program will not only help to
protect and conserve Florida’s natural resources for the continued enjoyment of
residents and guests,” said DEP Branch Office Manager Gus Rios, “but will help
save Casa Marina Resort economic resources as well.”
To become a designated a 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
and 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 members of the Florida Green Lodging Program must also use green
cleaners and high efficiency air filters, and clean air handler units
frequently.
“Casa Marina is committed to preserving the stunning natural habitats and
environs of the Florida Keys,” said Kevin Speidel, General Manager for Casa
Marina Resort & Beach Club. “We’ve implemented green policies throughout all
areas of the resort – from guest recycling programs to energy management, water
conservation, clean air filters and more.”
Recently, Governor Crist announced the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit
on Global Climate Change this June, building on the foundation for Florida’s
energy future that began at last year’s summit. During the 2007 summit, 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 Florida Green Lodging Program designation as of
January 1, 2008, whenever possible. The summit will explore technologies and
strategies to stimulate economic development in clean technologies as well as
“green” Florida’s business community.
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, Florida is recommending designated
facilities to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally
conscious lodging and convention facilities. With the addition of Casa Marina
Resort and Beach Club, the program has 183 designated properties and more than
345 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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2012 State of Florida