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KEY WEST - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Southernmost Hotel Collection to the Florida Green Lodging Program.
The Southernmost Hotel Collection includes the Southernmost Hotel, Southernmost
on the Beach, Dewey House and La Mer Hotel. The facility is the seventh to be
designated in the Florida Keys and 68th for the state. 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.
“Southernmost Hotel Collection has made environmental stewardship a
priority,” said DEP South District Director Jon Iglehart. “Florida Green Lodging
Program facilities, like the Collection, help conserve Florida’s natural
resources for residents and visitors alike.”
To be designated a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program; hotels must
implement 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, programmable thermostats and compact fluorescent lighting. 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.
“Southernmost Hotel Collection recognizes that initiating green practices on
our properties is a proactive step in environmental protection and helps lower
power, water and waste bills and helps to cut costs in many areas,” said Michael
Herron, Director of Housekeeping Services. “Going green is the way of the future
and we at the Southernmost Hotel Collection are proud to be part of the
process.”
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
Southernmost Hotel Collection, the program has designated 68 hotels and has more
than 230 applicants.
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging. |
