Greening Florida's Hospitality Industry in English, Spanish and Creole

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Green Lodging Program launched a new, multilingual Web resource to assist designated properties in communicating their “green” initiatives to guests, employees and the community. The Web-based “tool kit” includes a “Do Your Part” poster in English, Spanish and Creole to help keep employees mindful of the hotel’s “green” practices, and a letter template in English and Spanish to promote the hotel’s environmental accomplishments. Other marketing tools include environmental message signage and displays for guest areas, “green” guest tips, press release templates and Green Lodging logos.

“We are pleased to be able to provide resources to properties that have earned the Florida Green Lodging designation to assist them in communicating their environmental achievements,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “With Florida’s diverse workplace and visitor base, it is particularly important that we bridge languages and cultures to protect our natural resources.”

The Florida Green Lodging Program is a voluntary state initiative that provides the lodging industry with free technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that help the environment as well as the hotel’s bottom line.

“Having information in Spanish and Creole will be extremely beneficial,” said Margaret Luppino, convention services manager, Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Hotel. “About 80 percent of our housekeeping associates speak Creole, and we are excited to be able to give them this information in their native language.”

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/.