New DEP Green Lodging Partner Helps Hotels Conserve    

“The environmental commitment of our Green Lodging partners serves as an example and challenge to other providers in the lodging industry,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “The Green Lodging program encourages participants to adopt innovative green practices, conserve resources and save money.”

Through a public-private partnership, ECOTECH will provide Florida’s lodging industry with technical assistance on products and services that can help them conserve water and energy. ECOTECH will provide Florida Green Lodging Program candidates and certified lodges with a discount on products, promote the Florida Green Lodging Certification Program to hotels and motels throughout the state and encourage its management and staff to utilize Certified Florida Green Lodges for conferences, meetings and travel.

ECOTECH WATER, LLC is a manufacturer of water conservation products, most of which use a technology combining air with water. The company’s water conservation program provides an analysis of a facility’s water usage. ECOTECH is a member of several organizations focused on sustainability and environmental protection including the U.S. Green Buildings Council and the Florida Green Buildings Coalition.

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. The Green Lodging program has 15 hotels certified, with 12 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.