Green Lodging Facility "Gives Kids the World"

TALLAHASSEE – Ten new properties recently received the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Green Lodging Program designation; including a property specifically for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, and six waterfront properties. The program continues to rise above its 300 designation mark and now has more than 400 applications. 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.

“DEP applauds these 10 new properties joining the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “This diverse group is setting a valuable example for guests, employees and other hotels to adopt a green lifestyle and protect Florida’s natural resources.”

The 10 new program members and corresponding statewide designation numbers are:

• Bahia Mar Beach Resort & Yachting Center, Fort Lauderdale (waterfront) (238).
• Daytona Seabreeze Resort, Daytona Beach (waterfront) (264).
• Dolphin Beach Club, Daytona Beach (waterfront) (205).
• Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel & Yacht Club, Fort Lauderdale (waterfront) (241).
• Give Kids the World Village, Kissimmee (265).
• Hyatt Regency Pier 66, Fort Lauderdale (waterfront) (242).
• InterContinental Tampa, Tampa (278).
• Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Miami (waterfront) (295).
• Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park cabins, White Springs (255).
• The Westin Colonnade, Coral Gables (258).

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.

A unique addition to the program is Give Kids the World Village, a 70-acre resort with more than 100 villa accommodations. The property provides memorable, cost-free experiences to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. With its designation into the Florida Green Lodging Program, the property provides more than just a memorable experience, but a green one too, and guests help protect Florida’s natural resources for future generations. In addition to implementing standard best management practices, the property also installed state of the art energy technology that uses geothermal air conditioning and uses the residual heat to help heat the hot water heaters in new villas, resulting in an overall reduction in energy consumption.

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/.