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JACKSONVILLE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront to the Florida Green Lodging
Program. The hotel is the third designated in Duval County and 53rd 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.
“The Hyatt is raising the bar for the lodging industry,” said DEP Northeast
District Assistant Director Bill Green. “A facility of this size committing to
reducing water use, conserving energy, improving air quality and decreasing
solid waste, is a testament to the state’s efforts to protect, restore and
conserve Florida’s environment.”
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 energy efficiency is achieved 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 use high
efficiency air filters and clean air handler units frequently.
"Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront is proud to join in the local effort
towards protecting the abundant natural resources that surround Jacksonville,
and with that, adding to the nationwide movement concerning the preservation of
the environment," said hotel General Manager Dan King.
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 the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, the
program has designated 53 hotels and has more than 190 applicants.
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging. |
