Nine White Lodging properties awarded Green Lodging designation in Florida

By now, we all know the benefits that an environmentally-friendly hotel has on its own business, the surrounding community and the planet as a whole (if you don’t, you should definitely read this site more often!) Eco-hotels help conserve natural resources, save money for both the business and the traveler, and attract new, progressively-minded customers throughout the world.

After recent news of the Florida Green Lodging Program’s downsizing, it seems to be a “good sign” that progress within the program is still underway.

This week, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) awarded all nine of the White Lodging Florida properties with the Florida Green Lodging Program designation. The well-known, voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with free technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

“It is wonderful to see businesses implement green practices such as water conservation, recycling and energy reduction because they are not only good for business, they are good for Florida’s environment,” said DEP Sustainable Initiatives Director, Deas Bohn.

Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. In 2007 Governor Crist signed three executive orders initiating state energy-use policies, including one that requires state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences only at hotels with the Florida Green Lodging Program designation as of January 1, 2008, whenever possible.

To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must implement a variety of green practices, including but not limited to water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures, a linen and towel 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. The program encourages hotels to think about new ways to manage their facility and identify ways to reduce their environmental impact.

The White Lodging Florida portfolio consists of the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Key West, Residence Inn and Courtyard in Miramar, Residence Inn and Renaissance in Plantation, and the Homewood Suites, Embassy Suites, Courtyard and Fairfield Inn & Suites in Tampa/Brandon.

For more information, visit www.whitelodging.com.