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TALLAHSSEE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
today welcomed the Courtyard by Marriott Tallahassee North to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The Residence Inn is the third to be designated in Leon County
and the 62nd in 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.
“The Courtyard by Marriott Tallahassee North has proven their commitment to
Florida’s environment by becoming a member of the Florida Green Lodging
Program,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “We are proud
of their great achievement.”
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 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 of our associates at the Courtyard by Marriott Tallahassee
North for their hard work in achieving this important designation from the
Florida Green Lodging Program,” explained John McKibbon, McKibbon Hotel
Management, Inc.’s chief executive officer. “The practices implemented through
the DEP’s comprehensive requirements make sense, not only in helping to preserve
our natural resources and attract environmentally-responsible business partners,
but also in running our hotels more efficiently and cost effectively. We look
forward to achieving this important designation with other McKibbon properties
throughout the state.”
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 Courtyard by
Marriott Tallahassee North, 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. |
