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DAYTONA BEACH- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott Daytona Beach to the Florida
Green
Lodging Program. The properties, both managed by Marriott International, Inc., are the
123rd and 122nd respectively in the state to become designated members 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.
“DEP is excited to welcome two additional Marriott hotels as members of the Florida
Green Lodging Program,” said DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. “Marriott
continues to demonstrate their commitment to Florida’s environment by taking
steps to reduce energy usage and conserve water in their facilities.”
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.
" At Marriott, we have a role to play in protecting our environment and have implemented
sustainable environmental practices, including conservation of natural resources, protection
of indigenous wildlife, and reducing and recycling waste wherever possible.” said Chad Brunton,
General Manager. “Our practices reflect the environmental interests and concerns of our guests,
associates, business partners and communities. We are proud to be partnered with and recognized
by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Green Lodging 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 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 the Courtyard by Marriott Daytona Beach and the Residence Inn by Marriott Daytona
Beach, 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/.
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