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KEY WEST - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Doubletree Grand Key Resort in Key West to the Florida Green
Lodging Program. The Doubletree is the 13th property to be designated in the
Florida Keys and the 198th in the state. 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 pleased to welcome the Doubletree Grand Key Resort to the select
group of area hotels that have made a commitment to conserving Florida’s
precious resources,” said DEP South District Director Jon Iglehart. "The upgrades
and management choices instituted by the Doubletree will not only provide their
guests with a rewarding island experience, but enable future generations to
enjoy it as well.”
To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels
must implement a variety of 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
members of the Florida Green Lodging Program must also use green cleaners and
high efficiency air filters.
“It is our corporate social responsibility to pursue energy, chemical, water
and waste reduction in our hotel,” said Doubletree General Manager Michael
Knowles. “We are proud to be a member of Florida’s Green Lodging Program.”
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 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, Florida is recommending
designated facilities to companies and trade organizations seeking
environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities. With the addition
of the Doubletree Grand Key Resort, the program has 211 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/. | 
