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TAMPA – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the Hilton Tampa Westshore Hotel to the
Florida Green Lodging Program. The property is the 203rd 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.
“The Hilton Tampa Westshore Hotel is making the commitment to adopt environmentally-conscious practices,” said Marcia Dmochowski,
General Manager of the Hilton Tampa Westshore. “By joining the Florida Green Lodging Program, The Hilton Tampa Westshore is
helping to protect and preserve Florida's resources for its millions of residents and visitors.”
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 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 Tampa Westshore Hotel, the program has 216 designated properties and nearly 400
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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