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ST. PETERSBURG – The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club to the Florida Green Lodging
program. The Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club is the 60th in the state to be
designated. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with
technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving ‘green’
practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
“We are proud to have the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club join our
effort to preserve Florida’s natural resources,” said DEP Southwest District
Director Deborah Getzoff. “Participants in the Green Lodging Program stand out
as the industry’s environmental leaders.”
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 understand this is a voluntary state initiative that provides the lodging
industry with technical assistance, and encourages hotels and motels to adopt
cost-saving green practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources,”
said Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club General Manager Russ Bond. “We look
forward to educating both our staff and guests about the importance of
protecting our environment.”
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 Renaissance
Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, 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. |
