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FT. PIERCE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
today welcomed the Ft. Pierce Comfort Suites to the Florida Green Lodging
Program. The Ft. Pierce Comfort Suites is the first hotel designated in St.
Lucie County and the 65th 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.
“We are excited to add the Ft. Pierce Comfort Suites to our growing list of
properties making the commitment to adopt environmentally conscious practices,”
said DEP Southeast District Director Jack Long. “The Ft. Pierce Comfort Suites
is serving as an industry leader and a great example to other hotels in the
area.”
Hotels must implement a variety of green practices to be designated in the
Florida Green Lodging Program. 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.
“The Ft. Pierce Comfort Suites is proud to be a part of the Florida Green
Lodging Program,” said Mukesh Monga, General Manager. “We will continue to do
our part to help protect and conserve Florida’s natural resources while
providing exceptional customer service and amenities for our guests.”
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
meeting 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 worldwide movement to reduce
greenhouse gasses.
Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program established
environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and
prevent pollution. As a 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 Ft. Pierce Comfort Suites, the program has designated 68 hotels and has
more than 240 applicants.
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.
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