Sixth Disney Hotel Receives Green Lodging Certification

“The certification of the Animal Kingdom Lodge is another example of Disney’s outstanding commitment to protecting Florida’s natural resources,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Florida’s Green Lodges continue to save money and conserve energy while preserving our environment.”

Environmentally-friendly features at the Animal Kingdom Lodge include a towel and linen reuse program to conserve energy and water, an advanced computerized energy management system and a recycling program for guests and staff.

“The stewardship of natural resources and our environment has a name at Walt Disney World. It is called Environmentality,” said Walt Disney World Executive Vice President of Operations Lee Cockerell. “It encompasses our attitude and commitment to do not only what is right for the environment but what is right for our business. That is why this recognition is so important to me and our 58,000 cast members.”

Disney now has six hotels participating in the Florida Green Lodging Program. The Disney Coronado Springs Resort and Boardwalk Resort were certified in March 2004, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, Pop Century Resort and Caribbean Beach Resort were certified in August 2005.

Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Certification Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. 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 the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the program has 13 hotels certified, with 14 in the process of becoming certified.

For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Certification Program or to locate a Florida Green Lodge, visit www.floridagreenlodging.org.