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ST. AUGUSTINE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the AAA Four-Diamond Casa Monica
Hotel, a part of The Kessler Collection luxury hotel group, to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The historic property is the
201st in the state to be designated and the 12th in St. Augustine. 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.
“We are pleased to welcome the Casa Monica Hotel to the Florida Green Lodging Program family,” said DEP Northeast District
Green Lodging Program Coordinator Sheena Chin. “By reducing water use, conserving energy, improving air quality and decreasing solid
waste, the Casa Monica and their guests are taking the necessary steps to help protect, restore and conserve Florida’s natural
resources.”
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.
“The Green Team and staff at the Casa Monica Hotel have worked hard to achieve this very important Green Lodging designation,”
says General Manager Anthony Lazzara. “Our voluntary adoption to implement further conservation initiatives reinforces our
serious commitment to the community and environment. We are excited to pave the way for the other Kessler luxury hotels towards
furthering their Green practices.”
Recently, Governor Crist hosted the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, building on the foundation of
last year’s summit for Florida’s energy future. 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 explored
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 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 Casa Monica Hotel, the program has 213 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/.
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