Beach Hotels Offer White Sand & Green Facilities

TALLAHASSEE ? Florida beaches offer fun, sand and sun all year long and five recently designated properties in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection?s (DEP) Green Lodging program offer accommodations to help preserve the state?s seaside gems. Green Lodging facilities represent leaders in the industry who have implemented green practices that are protective of Florida?s natural resources. With the recent additions, 584 lodging facilities in Florida are now designated in the program.

?The quality of Florida?s beaches reflects the quality of Florida?s hotels and motels,? said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. ?Florida?s hospitality facilities continue to set a great example of environmental stewardship for Floridians and visitors alike by adopting practices that protect Florida?s coastal environment.?

To become a designated member of the voluntary program, lodging facilities adopt cost-saving green practices to conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality and reduce waste. The five new designations include:

• Holiday Inn Express, Jacksonville Beach
• Omni Hotel, Jacksonville

• Hampton Inn, Plantation
• Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

• Hilton Garden Inn, Tampa Westshore

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 Clean Vessel Act grant program and the Florida Green Lodging program offer a variety of services including 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.