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ST. AUGUSTINE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the Renaissance
Resort at World Golf Village to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The property is the 115th in the state to become
a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program. 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 pleased to welcome the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village to the Florida
Green Lodging Program family,”
said DEP Northeast District Assistant Director Bill Green. “By reducing water use, conserving energy, improving air
quality and decreasing solid waste, the Renaissance Resort is taking the necessary steps to help protect, restore and
conserve Florida’s natural resources.”
To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must follow certain 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 properties must also use green cleaners and high
efficiency air filters, and clean air handler units frequently.
“We’re very proud of our One Palm Rating,” said Mark Schwantner, General Manager of Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village.
“Our entire staff has worked hard to make our resort green, and we realize the importance of reducing waste and conserving our
natural resources. We’ve received a very positive response from our guests and groups, and are so pleased to be a participant
in the program.”
The Renaissance Resort is nearing completion of a $10 million property-wide renovation which consists of many green
initiatives. Environmentally-friendly renovations include installing water efficient showerheads and toilets, implementing
recycling programs throughout the resort, installing high efficiency air filters, installing high energy efficient lighting
and communicating to guests how they can contribute.
Recently, Governor Crist announced the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change this June, building on
the foundation for Florida’s energy future began at last year’s summit. During the 2007 summit, 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 as of January 1, 2008, whenever
possible. The summit will explore technologies and strategies to stimulate economic development in clean technologies as
well as “green” Florida’s business community.
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, the state is recommending designated properties
in the Florida Green Lodging Program to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and
convention facilities. With the addition of the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, the program has 169 designated
properties and more than 335 applicants.
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.
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