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ORLANDO - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Renaissance Orlando Hotel – Airport to the Florida Green Lodging
Program. The Renaissance is the 61st facility to be designated 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.
“DEP is proud that the Renaissance Orlando Hotel – Airport is making the
commitment to protect Florida’s environment by joining the Florida Green Lodging
Program,” said DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. “Their leadership
can serve as an example and a challenge to other hotels to adopt green
practices, which conserve resources and save money.”
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 so proud to be recognized as a Florida Green Lodging Hotel,” said Jim
Berkley, General Manager of the Renaissance. “The Renaissance Orlando Hotel -
Airport, as the first Orlando Airport market certified Green Lodging Hotel, is
committed to protecting our environment and making a positive impact to
Florida’s natural resources. By conserving energy, reducing solid waste and
improving air quality in our hotel, we believe our guests and associates will
carry forward the important message of environmental protection.”
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
Renaissance Orlando Hotel – Airport, 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. |
