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PALM BEACH GARDENS – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
today welcomed the PGA National Resort and Spa to the Florida Green Lodging
Program. The PGA National Resort and Spa is the third hotel designated in Palm
Beach County and the 66th 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 PGA National Resort and Spa to our growing list of
properties making the commitment to adopt environmentally conscious practices,”
said DEP Southeast District Director Jack Long. “The PGA National 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 PGA National Resort and Spa is proud to be a part of the Florida Green
Lodging Program,” said Joel Paige, Managing Director. “Our entire staff and
management team is committed to environmental conservation while continuing to
provide our guests with exceptional customer service and amenities.”
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 PGA National Resort and Spa, 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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