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DELRAY BEACH - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed The Colony Hotel & Cabaña Club to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The facility is the first of Delray Beach’s almost 20 hotels to participate in the voluntary state initiative to adopt environmentally-friendly practices that reduce waste and preserve natural resources.
“If just one-quarter of all hotel guests in Florida opted to reuse towels and sheets, the lodging industry would conserve almost 500 million gallons of water each year,” said DEP Southeast District Director Kevin Neal. “By providing guests with ‘green’ alternatives, The Colony Hotel & Cabaña Club is preserving the state’s natural resources, conserving energy as well as protecting waterways.”
The Colony Hotel & Cabaña Club reduces water consumption through low-flow faucets and showerheads, and offers a linen and towel reuse program. In addition, the facility moderates water use by planting native vegetation to reduce landscaping irrigation. The hotel conserves energy by installing energy efficient appliances and light fixtures, and improves indoor air quality by using environmentally-preferable cleaners and implementing a non-smoking policy. Furthermore, the hotel is complimenting its conservation practices by recycling and purchasing paper products with post-consumer recycled content.
"I am so very happy that The Colony Hotel & Cabaña Club operating with environmental responsibility and guest satisfaction as core values can be a successful part of a strong business community,” said The Colony Hotel & Cabaña Club Owner and Manager Jestena Boughton. “For 72 years, my family has carefully managed the resources of the Colony by following the basic green business practices - reduce waste, reuse materials and recycle what cannot be reused. By protecting and enhancing this irreplaceable historic hotel, we are thrilled to be able to contribute to the charming sustainability of Delray Beach."
Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging 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 Colony Hotel & Cabana Club, the program has 20 hotels certified, with 21 in the process of becoming certified.
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program or to locate a Florida Green Lodge, visit
www.floridagreenlodging.org.
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