DEP’s Florida Green Lodging Program Celebrates National Pollution Prevention Week with New Designations

TALLAHASSEE –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Green Lodging Program is celebrating National Pollution Prevention Week, September 20-26, with the designation of eight new properties. In total, the Florida Green Lodging Program now has 658 designated properties with more than 160,000 designated green guest rooms.

“Florida’s Green Lodging Program encourages and enables Florida’s lodging industry to help protect Florida’s environment,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Brad Stombock. “All Green Lodging Program designated properties prevent pollution by implementing practices that stop pollution at its source.”

To become a designated member of the voluntary program, lodging facilities adopt cost-saving green practices that conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality and reduce waste. The Florida Green Lodging Program includes facilities of all sizes, from local bed and breakfast inns to resorts with thousands of rooms. Designated facilities statewide also include all Florida Walt Disney World resorts, Florida State Park cabins and now all seven properties that compose the Orlando-based Rosen Hotels & Resorts collection.

• Comfort Inn, Orlando
• Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Studio City, Orlando
• Hilton Garden Inn Tampa, Oldsmar
• Hyatt Beach House, Key West
• Quality Inn International, Orlando
• Quality Inn Plaza, Orlando
• Roadway Inn, Orlando
• W Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale

About the Florida Green Lodging Program
Launched in 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for lodging facilities to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. As incentive for the designation, the state recommends the designated Green Lodging properties to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscientious lodging and convention facilities. For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging. 

About National Pollution Prevention Week
National Pollution Prevention Week is an annual event highlighting the importance of pollution prevention. Pollution prevention is a proactive approach that eliminates or reduces pollution at its source - through water conservation, energy efficiency, minimizing the usage of raw materials and green cleaning. Recognizing P2 Week is an opportunity for government to join with schools, businesses and citizens to protect the environment and work toward a sustainable future, by providing education and outreach to promote conservation and pollution prevention. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/p2week.