PORT ST. JOE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today honored the Turtle Beach Inn as a certified Florida
Green Lodge, the first bed & breakfast in the state to obtain this certification. Florida’s nearly 40 million hotel guests can now opt to take a break at a Florida
Green Lodge - a state designation recognizing hotels and motels as being environmentally-friendly.
“The Turtle Beach Inn is a leader in the lodging industry and a pioneer for bed and breakfasts,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Preserving Florida’s environment by conserving energy, water and resources is an example other inns should strive to achieve.”
Environmentally-friendly features at the Turtle Beach Inn include low-flow showerheads and toilets in the bathrooms, as well as a towel and linen re-use option for guests. Each room has double-paned, tinted windows and the inn uses energy efficient lighting and programmable thermostats. Air quality is improved through a commitment to proper air conditioner maintenance and efficient AC filters. The facility has also installed weather stripping and reduces waste by purchasing in bulk and recycling.
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.
As reward for designation, Florida recommends Green Lodges to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally-conscious lodging and convention facilities. With the addition of the Turtle Beach Inn, the program has 13 hotels certified, with 12 in the process of becoming certified.
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Certification program, visit
www.floridagreenlodging.org or to locate a Florida
Green Lodge visit
www.floridagreenlodging.com.
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