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LAKE BUENA VISTA - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
today welcomed the Royal Plaza Hotel, located in the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort,
to the Florida Green Lodging program. The Royal Plaza is the 54th in the state
to be designated 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 proud the Royal Plaza Hotel is making the commitment to adopt
environmentally-conscious practices,” said DEP Central District Director Vivian
Garfein. “By joining the Green Lodging program, the Royal Plaza Hotel is helping
to protect and preserve Florida’s 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 energy efficiency 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 high
efficiency air filters, and clean air handler units frequently.
"Royal Plaza is extremely honored and privileged to become a member of the
Florida Green Lodging Program,” said Odyssey Leach, General Manager of the Royal
Plaza. “We want to continue doing our part in educating not only the guests who
visit Central Florida and make our hotel their home away from home, but we want
to assist in educating the general public about the importance of protecting our
environment. It is the right thing to do! I am humbled by our acceptance into
the Green Lodging Program. We will continue being a leader in the cause of
protecting the environment, thereby ensuring the beauty and vitality of our
fabulous destination for generations to come.”
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 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 Royal
Plaza, the program has designated 54 hotels and has more than 190 applicants.
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging. |
