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DAYTONA BEACH SHORES - Florida’s 35 million hotel guests can now opt to take
a break at a Florida Certified Green Lodge, a state designation that recognizes
hotels and motels as being environmentally-friendly. The Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) today honored Palm Plaza Ocean Front Resort and
Beachside Motel in Daytona Beach Shores as Florida’s fifth and sixth certified
green lodges.
“Green Lodges 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 in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Certification 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.
Environmentally-friendly features at Palm Plaza Ocean Front Resort and
Beachside Motel include low flow showerheads and faucets in guest rooms; energy
efficient lighting and appliances; improved indoor air quality through proper
air conditioner maintenance and recycling. The hotels are also providing
employee training and guest information to encourage recycling and resource
conservation.
The Florida Green Lodging Certification ceremony was held in conjunction with
the kickoff of the REJUVINAIR® Rooms system. REJUVINAIR® is an air conditioner
maintenance service company specializing in steam sanitizing and mold removal
that improves the performance, indoor air quality and energy efficiency of air
conditioners. DEP is partnering with REJUVINAIR® to help Florida’s lodging
industry create a healthier and safer indoor environment by conserving energy
and improving indoor air quality in hotels and motels across the state.
As reward for designation, Florida is recommending Green Lodges to companies
and trade organizations seeking environmentally-conscious lodging and convention
facilities. With the addition of these two newly certified hotels, the program
has certified six hotels, with 12 more applications under review. For more
information about the Florida Green Lodging Certification Program or to locate a
Florida Green Lodge visit
www.floridagreenlodging.com.
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