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ORLANDO - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Hawthorn Suites Orlando Airport to the Florida Green Lodging
Program. Hawthorn Suites Orlando Airport is the 55th in the state to be
designated. 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.
“Hawthorn Suites Orlando Airport has demonstrated their commitment to
protecting Florida’s environment,” said DEP Central District Director Vivian
Garfein. “Their leadership serves as an example and a challenge to other hotels
to adopt innovative green practices, conserve resources and save money.”
To be designated a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must
follow a variety of 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.
“We are proud to be associated with the DEP and the Florida Green Lodging
Program,” said Nancy Rocker, General Manager of Hawthorn Suites Orlando Airport.
“My team has worked hard to achieve this honorable designation. A special thanks
to the team members and guests of the Hawthorn Suites Orlando Airport who are
doing so much to save our planet’s resources.”
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 Hawthorn
Suites Orlando Airport, the program has designated 55 hotels and has more than
200 applicants.
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging. |
