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SARASOTA – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Sarasota to the Florida Green Lodging
Program. The property is the 165th 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.
“Homewood Suites by Hilton has proven its commitment to Florida’s environment
by becoming a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said DEP Southwest
District Director Deborah Getzoff. “Program participants are helping conserve
and protect Florida’s natural resources for its millions of residents and
visitors.”
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 Florida Green Lodging Program inspired us to endure the initial cost of
‘going green,’ and the savings we have seen as a result of these measures are
amazing,” stated Homewood Suites by Hilton Sales Manager Stephanie Dean. “With
more travelers becoming eco-conscious, we have received an enormous amount of
positive feedback from our guests for participating in this program."
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 the 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 Homewood Suites by Hilton in Sarasota, 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/. | 
