About Green Lodging
 "With almost 50 percent of Florida’s visitors staying in hotels, the lodging industry plays an important role in protecting our environment. By reducing water use, conserving energy, improving air quality and decreasing solid waste, hotel guests contribute to state efforts to protect, restore and conserve Florida’s natural resources."
~ Secretary Michael W. Sole
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 lodging industry is one of Florida’s largest commercial sectors. In 2005, according to research conducted by
VISIT FLORIDA®, 83.6 million people visited Florida with about 50 percent of those staying in a hotel, motel or bed & breakfast. With this many visitors, the lodging industry can have a significant and positive impact on Florida’s natural resources. Properties of all sizes and types are encouraged to join the program, from the quaint bed & breakfast to the large resort complex.
The forerunners of the Florida Green Lodging Program have demonstrated their commitment to succeed in protecting Florida’s resources while also saving money and garnering good publicity. There is an enormous collection of resources available to lodging facilities that become
designated members of the Florida Green Lodging Program. Reduced costs through partnerships, free technical support and advice are available to help make the process as easy as possible.
An easy-to-use application featuring Best Management
Practices  is available on CD.
Contacts
Peter Goren (peter.goren@dep.state.fl.us)
Program Manager
(850) 245-2136
Karen Moore
(karen.s.moore@dep.state.fl.us)
Program Coordinator
(850) 245-2174
Sheileen Smith
(sheileen.smith@dep.state.fl.us)
Program Planner
(850) 245-2047
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