Florida’s Green Lodging Program still going strong, despite cutbacks

A few short months ago, Florida’s Green Lodging Program was all but nullified. The popular standard and inspiration for green lodging state programs across the country, launnched in 2004, saw a significant reduction in funding and staff, leaving many to wonder what, if anything, would remain.

But 2010 is a time for positive change, as the organization recently added 19 hotels to its roster, surpassing the 600 member mark.

With the new designations, the program has surpassed 600 members – to a grand total of 614 designated properties statewide – that have made their resolutions to protect Florida’s environment by becoming designated members of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Green Lodging program.

“Earning designation in the Florida Green Lodging program is an achievement these 614 facilities can be proud of,” said DEP director of sustainable initiatives Deas Bohn. “The environmental commitment demonstrated by Green Lodging facilities serves as an example and challenge to other hotels to adopt innovative green practices, conserve resources and save money.”

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.

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.

The 19 new designations include: Addison on Amelia, Amelia Island; Country Inn and Suites, Gainesville; Sleep Inn and Suites, Panama City Beach; Barefoot’n in the Keys, Kissimmee; Crowne Plaza Tampa Westshore, Tampa; Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, Innisbrook; and Hampton Inn and Suites, Wellington.

Additional new designations include: Hampton Inn West Palm Beach Vista Center, West Palm Beach; InterContinental West Miami, Doral; Largo Mar Resort and Club, Fort Lauderdale; Marriott’s BeachPlace Towers, Fort Lauderdale; Marriott’s Ocean Pointe, Palm Beach Shores; Ramada Inn, Stuart; Springhill Suites by Marriott, Boca Raton; The Diplomat Golf Resort & Spa, Hallandale; The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale; Towne Place Suites, Boca Raton; Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport at Town Center, Fort Myers; and Ocean Dawn Suites, Islamorada.

For more information about the Florida Green Lodging program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.