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ORLANDO - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Rosen Plaza Hotel, located in Orlando, to the Florida Green Lodging
program. The Rosen Plaza is the 58th in the state to be designated. The Florida
Green Lodging Program is a voluntary state initiative that provides the lodging
industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt
cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
“Rosen Hotels continue their commitment to the environment with the
designation of their third hotel, the Rosen Plaza,” said DEP Central District
Director Vivian Garfein. “As environmental stewards, the Rosen Hotels are
serving as industry leaders and examples to other hotels in Central Florida.”
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.
“It is unconscionable to think about the amount of water, energy and other
resources we would have wasted at our hotels were it not for the eco-friendly
policies we implemented years ago, even before joining the Florida Green Lodging
Program,” said Harris Rosen, President/COO, Rosen Hotels & Resorts. “By doing
all we can to conserve water, energy and other valuable resources, we not only
make Orlando a better place to work but a better place to live as well.”
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 Rosen
Plaza Hotel, the program has designated 58 hotels and has more than 200
applicants.
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging. |
