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JACKSONVILLE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed The Jenks House to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The Jenks House
is the second bed and breakfast in the state to be designated and the 32nd
overall for the Green Lodging Program, a voluntary state initiative that
provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, and encourages hotels
and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve
natural resources.
“Joining the Green Lodging Program means taking a lead role in environmental
stewardship,” said Northeast District Assistant Director Bill Green. “The
environmental commitment of The Jenks House serves as an example and a challenge
to other bed and breakfasts to adopt innovative green practices, conserve
resources and save money.”
The Jenks House has implemented a policy to obtain environmental feedback and
suggestions from guests, a linen reuse program and installed low-flow faucets to
conserve water and energy. The hotel uses ENERGY STAR® air conditioning
equipment in guest rooms to conserve energy as well as high-efficiency compact
fluorescent lighting, motion detector lighting outdoors and a solar water
heater. Waste reduction is emphasized through its recycling program, purchasing
products with recycled content and composting. Indoor air quality is improved
through environmentally preferred cleaners and High Energy Particulate Air (HEPA)
filters.
“We have lived in this home for 32 years and have always tried to live an
environmentally-friendly lifestyle,” said Owner Tom Merten. “Now as a bed and
breakfast, we are continuing that commitment as a participant in the Florida
Green Lodging Program.”
On July 13, at his Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change,
Governor Crist signed three executive orders initiating state energy-use
policies, including one that requires state agencies and departments to hold
meetings and conferences only at hotels participating in DEP’s Green Lodging
Program starting January 1, 2008. The Summit was a bold first step to explore
groundbreaking technologies and strategies that will place our state at the
forefront of the growing world-wide movement to reduce greenhouse gases.
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 facilities
within the Green Lodging Program to companies and trade organizations seeking
environmentally-conscious lodging and convention facilities. With today’s two
new additions in Duval County, the Jenks House and Crowne Plaza Jacksonville
Riverfront, the program has 32 hotels designated statewide, with 59 in the
process of becoming designated.
For more information on the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging. |
