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TALLAHASSEE –A bed & breakfast, a state park and the first property in
Charlotte County are among six properties getting the “green light” from the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Green Lodging
Program this week; propelling the program to 300 designations, representing more
than 90,000 rooms statewide. 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.
“Designating 300 members is a significant milestone for the Florida Green
Lodging Program and proves that lodging facilities are committed to protecting
Florida’s environment,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn.
“The six properties range in size from just five rooms to more than 200, proving
that businesses of all sizes can contribute to a sustainable future.”
The six new program members and corresponding statewide designation numbers
are:
- Pine Lodge Bed & Breakfast, Inglis (300).
- Suwannee River State Park
cabins, Live Oak (249).
- Port Charlotte Sleep Inn and Suites, Port Charlotte
(102). -First designation in Charlotte County.
- Comfort Inn and Suites Jupiter,
Jupiter (292).
- Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa, Jupiter (252).
- The Resort at
Singer Island, Palm Beach (270).
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
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 properties must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air
filters, and clean air handler units frequently.
Many properties designated in the Florida Green Lodging Program choose to go
above and beyond DEP’s recommended green practices. Both the Pine Lodge Bed &
Breakfast and the Resort at Singer Island are preventing pollution with
non-chemical, salt water swimming pools that don’t require bleach cleaners and
reduce the use of chemicals as well as the waste of the plastic containers. The
Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa has also made green strides by placing newspapers
near elevators, rather than distributing newspapers to every guest room. This
practice has resulted in a 50 percent reduction of newspaper waste for the
property.
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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2012 State of Florida