Going Green Leads to Environmental Gold

TALLAHASSEE – Wearing green today spares one from a friendly pinch, but thinking green year round leads to environmental gold for Florida citizens and industry. This is especially true for six hotels recently designated as part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Green Lodging Program. With the new designations, the program now offers 624 designated properties statewide, making it easier to travel green.

“St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to bring attention to going green for industry and citizens,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “Newly designated Green Lodging facilities are setting an example for others in the hospitality industry and making it easier for Floridians to make environmentally friendly choices.”

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 six new designations include:

Northeast
• Fairfield Inn and Suites, Jacksonville
• The Island Place at Cedar Key, Cedar Key

Northwest
• Emerald Coast Inn & Suites, Ft. Walton Beach

Central
• Hampton Inn, Leesburg

Southwest
• Hilton Garden Inn Tampa East/Brandon, Tampa

Southeast
• Days Inn Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport, Hollywood

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.