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NAPLES - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Hilton Naples to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The Hilton is
the first hotel in Naples to be designated and the second in Collier County. 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.
“Green Lodges are leaders in their industry,” said DEP South District
Director Jon Iglehart. “The example set by Naples Hilton challenges other area
hotels to join them in adopting innovative green practices, conserving resources
and saving 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.
“Not only are the management and entire staff of the hotel committed to
supporting the efforts of the Department of Environmental Protection, but our
guests will also be involved in helping with our initiatives. Since many guests
practice some level of conservation at home, we believe they will appreciate the
opportunity to contribute while traveling,” said Clark Hill, Hilton Naples
General Manager.
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 Hilton
Naples, 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. |
