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LONGBOAT KEY – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Hilton Longboat Key Beachfront Resort to the Florida Green Lodging
Program. The property is the first in Longboat Key and 157th 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.
“Florida Green Lodging Program facilities serve as an example and a challenge
to other hotels to adopt innovative green practices,” said DEP Southwest
District Director Deborah Getzoff. “Program participants are industry leaders in
environmental commitment.”
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.
"Sitting so closely to nature, on this pristine barrier island, our location
is one of the reasons our guests come to experience Longboat Key. It is
important to us that this area remains unspoiled so guests can continue to enjoy
this with their families for the years to come,” stated Hilton Longboat Key
Beachfront Resort General Manager, Roy Padgett. “We're delighted to do our part
by becoming as environmentally friendly as possible."
Recently, Governor Crist announced the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit
on Global Climate Change this week, 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 Hilton Longboat Key Beachfront Resort, the
program has 204 designated properties and more than 380 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/. | 
