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TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Staybridge Suites to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The hotel
is the second designated in Leon County and 52nd for the state. The Florida
Green Lodging Program is 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.
“Staybridge Suites has shown great environmental leadership by becoming a
Florida Green Lodge,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn.
“They are helping conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources for its
millions of residents and visitors.”
To be designated a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must
follow certain green practices. These practices include, but are not limited to,
water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures and a linen reuse
program and increased energy efficiency by installing ENERGY STAR® appliances
and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are met by providing
the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, purchasing recycled
materials and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All designated members of
Florida Green Lodging Program must also use green cleaners and high efficiency
air filters and clean air handler units frequently.
“The Staybridge Suites in Tallahassee is very proud to be one of the first
hotels in Florida’s Capital City to receive the Florida Green Lodging Program
designation,” said Doug Artusio Chairman and CEO of Dellisart Lodging and
Hospitality Company. “The Green Lodging Program is an important partnership with
the business community. I believe it is our moral and corporate obligation to be
good environmental citizens.”
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 with the Florida Green Lodging Program
designation starting January 1, 2008, whenever possible. The Summit was a bold
first step to explore groundbreaking technologies and strategies that will place
our state at the forefront of the growing worldwide 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 designated
members of the Florida Green Lodging Program to companies and trade
organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention
facilities. With the addition of Staybridge Suites, the program has designated
52 hotels and has more than 170 applicants.
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging. |
