About DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives

Sustainable Initiatives are voluntary, non-regulatory programs within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting Florida’s environment. Included in Sustainable Initiatives are the Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Florida Pollution Prevention Program. Sustainable Initiatives programs offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. In addition, recognition of successful commitment to the environment is offered through the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Clean Marina Program. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising the ability of future populations to meet its needs.

The Florida Clean Marina Programs are designed to bring awareness to marine facilities and boaters regarding environmentally friendly practices intended to protect and preserve Florida’s precious natural environment. Marinas, boatyards and marine retailers receive “clean” designations by demonstrating a commitment to prescribed Best Management Practices.

The Clean Vessel Act (CVA) of 1992 was signed into law to reduce pollution from vessel sewage discharges, prohibiting the discharge of raw sewage into fresh water or within coastal salt-water limits. The act established a federal grant program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which to date has awarded nearly $150 million for states to install thousands of sewage pumpout stations. The program, housed within DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives, provides grants for construction and installation of sewage pumpout facilities and floating restrooms at marinas, purchase of pumpout boats and educational programs for boaters.

The Florida Green Lodging Program was established in 2004 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) with the intent of recognizing and rewarding environmentally conscientious lodging facilities in the state. Through this rapidly growing program DEP encourages the lodging industry to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. The Florida Green Lodging Program is unique in that it covers an all-inclusive list of environmental initiatives that are specific to protecting and preserving Florida’s environment.

The Pollution Prevention (P2) Program is interested in identifying areas where industries can save money by eliminating or reducing pollution at the source, before it becomes waste to be managed. The P2 Program offers a range of services that are voluntary and non-regulatory designed to assist manufacturers, commercial businesses, government, military facilities, trade organizations or any organization in Florida to identify pollution prevention projects or ways to reduce environmental impact through the use of pollution prevention strategies.