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MIAMI – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the Hilton Miami Airport to the Florida
Green Lodging Program. The property is the 199th in the state to be designated a 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.
“We are pleased to welcome another Hilton property to the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said DEP Southeast District Director
Jack Long. “The Hilton Miami Airport has shown great environmental leadership by helping to conserve and protect Florida’s natural
resources for residents and visitors.”
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 properties must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air filters.
“We are delighted to be the recipient of the State’s Green Lodging designation and to be recognized as an ecologically friendly
and committed hotel,” said Dave Smith, General Manager for the Hilton Miami Airport. “We look forward to continuing to initiate
new programs and practices in order to conserve and reduce energy as well as preserve and protect our natural resources in the
State of Florida.”
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 program
to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities. With the addition of the
Hilton Miami Airport, 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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