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JACKSONVILLE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
today welcomed the Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront to the Florida Green
Lodging Program. The hotel is the first in Duval County and 31st 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.
“As the first designated in Duval County, Crowne Plaza is setting the example
for the lodging industry,” said Northeast District Assistant Director Bill
Green. “By reducing water use, conserving energy, improving air quality and
decreasing solid waste, the facility is complementing the state’s efforts to
protect, restore and conserve Florida’s environment.”
Crowne Plaza Jacksonville has implemented a linen and towel reuse program and
installed low-flow showerheads and faucets to conserve water. In addition, the
facility conserves energy through motion detection thermostats, high-efficiency
lighting and ENERGY STAR® rated equipment. The facility also utilizes
environmentally-preferable cleaners and high-efficiency air filters for air
conditioning units to improve air quality. To reduce waste, the hotel offers
recycling for paper, newspaper and aluminum cans, and recycles all toner and ink
cartridges.
“I am very proud of our staff, who have worked diligently to ensure our hotel
operates in an environmentally responsible manner,” said Crowne Plaza
Jacksonville Riverfront General Manager Michael Keeler. “We recognize that this
is the direction the industry is moving towards and we are proud to be in the
forefront among North Florida businesses and the hospitality industry in
general.”
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 actively participating within the
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 Crown Plaza Jacksonville
Riverfront and The Jenks House, the program has 32 hotels designated statewide,
with 59 in the process of becoming designated.
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging. |
