FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 10, 2004
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112 

Florida’s Green Lodging Program Offers “Green Choice”

--Environmentally-friendly hotels conserve resources, save money and attract customers--

ORLANDO - Florida’s 35 million hotel guests can now opt to take a break at a Green Lodging – a new State designation that recognizes environmentally-friendly hotels and motels. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today honored Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center in Gainesville and the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs as Florida’s first Green Lodging hotels.

“Green Lodgings are leaders in their industry,” said DEP Secretary Colleen Castille. “Their environmental commitment serves as an example and a challenge to other hotels to adopt innovative green practices, conserve resources and save money.”

Launched as a pilot initiative, the voluntary program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. Hotel and motels reduce costs and earn designation by investing in simple and innovative ‘green’ practices that conserve water, save energy and reduce waste.

“Florida’s Green Lodgings are helping to ensure a sustainable future for the environment and for the state’s $50 billion-dollar tourism industry,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Allan Bedwell. “Achieving designation provides consumers with an attractive choice, making economic, business and environmental sense.”

Environmentally-friendly features at Florida’s designated Green Lodgings include state-of-the-art laundry systems that filter and reuse water; low flow showerheads and faucets in guest rooms; energy efficient computer equipment, lighting and appliances; Florida-friendly landscaping and recycling facilities. The hotels also provide employee training and guest information to encourage recycling and reuse.