New Florida Green Lodging Designated Properties Offers Green Accommodations for the Holidays

TALLAHASSEE ? Five new hotels were recently designated in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection?s (DEP) Florida Green Lodging program, just in time to offer Green Lodging accommodations for holiday travelers. With a total of 595 designated properties throughout the state, the Florida Green Lodging program offers plenty of options for staying green this holiday season.

?Vacationing away from home doesn?t mean travelers have to give up being environmentally conscientious,? said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. ?Staying in a designated Green Lodging facility allows vacationers to conserve water and energy while protecting the state?s natural resources so that Florida remains a beautiful travel destination for future generations.?

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:

Northeast
? Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, Palm Coast

Northwest
? Holiday Inn Resort, Fort Walton Beach ? Best Western, Fort Walton Beach

Central
? Hampton Inn Daytona Speedway, Daytona Beach

Southwest
? An Island Getaway at Palm Tree Villas, Homes Beach

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.