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SARASOTA – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport to the Florida Green
Lodging Program. The property is the 164th in the state to become a designated
member of the 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.
“Participants in the Florida Green Lodging Program stand out as the
industry’s environmental leaders,” said DEP Southwest District Director Deborah
Getzoff. “By providing guests with ‘green’ alternatives, the Hilton Garden Inn
is preserving the state’s natural resources, conserving energy as well as
protecting waterways.”
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, a
linen reuse program, 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.
“The Hilton Garden Inn is very proud to be added to the list of hoteliers who
are making the commitment to adopt environmentally-conscious practices,” stated
Linda Brooke, General Manager for the Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota-Bradenton
Airport.
Recently, Governor Crist announced the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit
on Global Climate Change this month, building on the foundation for Florida’s
energy future that 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. This year’s 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 a 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 Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport,
the program has 198 designated properties and more than 365 applicants. For more
information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.
DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary,
non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting
the environment. The Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and
the Florida Pollution Prevention Program offer a variety of services including
on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to
citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is
to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for
future generations. To learn more about DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/green/. | 
