|
MOUNT DORA - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Tremain Street Cottages to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The
hotel is the first designated in Lake County and the 51st in 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.
“DEP is very proud to add Tremain Street Cottages to the growing list of
lodges making the commitment to adopt environmentally-conscious practices,” said
DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. “As the first designated Green
Lodge in Lake County, the lodge is serving as an industry leader and a great
example to other hotels in the area.”
To be designated a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must
institute 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 the Florida Green Lodging Program must also use green cleaners and
high efficiency air filters, and clean air handler units frequently.
"We are very excited to be a part of the Florida Green Lodging Program and
hope more lodging establishments in Lake County decide to ‘go green’ as well,”
said Rachelle Lucas, owner of Tremain Street Cottages. “We have always been
eco-conscious through our choice in cleaners and by recycling. This program
challenged us to take it a step further and made it easy with the resources they
provided."
On July 13th, 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 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 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 designated
facilities to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally
conscious lodging and convention facilities. With the addition of the Tremain
Street Cottages, 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. |
