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TALLAHASSEE – In recognition of the importance of
conserving energy, Governor Jeb Bush signed a
proclamation recognizing October as Energy Awareness
Month. Florida joins federal and state partners
nationwide to celebrate this year’s theme, “Not in
Use? Turn Off the Juice!”, which encourages
Americans to conserve energy at home and in the
workplace.
“Florida is encouraging its citizens to conserve
energy supplies and look for alternative sources of
energy,” said Department of Environmental Protection
Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Simple lifestyle changes
can save consumers money, protect the environment and
preserve natural resources.”
During Energy Awareness Month, Florida is encouraging
its citizens to conserve energy and seek alternative
sources for fuel supplies. State government is leading
by example – state office buildings have taken steps to
conserve energy by unplugging all non-essential
equipment, turning off all lights and computers after
hours, turning up thermostats and using hybrid vehicles
when possible.
Florida is harnessing one of the state’s most
abundant resources, sunlight, to produce clean energy in
homes and in schools with reliable, low maintenance
solar systems. Front Porch Sunshine installs
solar-powered water heaters in underserved communities
to conserve energy and reduce electricity bills, while
SunSmart Schools provides electricity to school
classrooms through solar electric systems and provides
an on-site classroom for students to learn more about
solar power and the benefits of energy conservation. The
SunBuilt program encourages builders to install
solar hot water heaters in newly constructed homes.
Through DEP’s Green Lodging Certification
Program, Florida is encouraging hotels and motels to
conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. The
voluntary program helps the lodging industry reduce
costs, conserve energy and earn its Green Lodging
designation by investing in simple and innovative
‘green’ practices that conserve water, save energy,
improve air quality and reduce waste. As reward for
designation, Florida recommends Green Lodgings to
companies and trade organizations seeking eco-friendly
lodging and convention facilities. Currently, Florida is
home to nine ‘green’ certified hotels, with 15 others
enrolled and working toward designation.
With a growing fleet, the State of Florida currently
owns more than 1400 alternative fuel vehicles, shaping
the market for fuel-efficient travel and clean air
technology. More than 22 percent of DEP’s fleet is
comprised of clean energy transportation, with more than
90 hybrid vehicles and more than 290 alternative fuel
vehicles.
For more information on energy conservation in
Florida, visit
www.floridadep.org.
View the
Governor’s proclamation. | .
