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MIAMI – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the Solara Surfside Resort to the
Florida Green Lodging Program. The Solara Surfside Resort is the 185th 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.
“By reducing water use, conserving energy, improving air quality and decreasing solid waste, the Solara Surfside Resort is
contributing to the state’s efforts to protect, restore and conserve Florida’s natural resources,” said Jack Long, DEP Southeast
District Director. “Their leadership and enthusiasm serves as a great example to encourage other hotels to adopt environmentally
friendly practices.”
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 members of the Florida Green Lodging Program must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air
filters.
“Becoming a part of the Florida Green Lodging Program is our way of demonstrating our commitment to protecting the environment,”
said Davie Pontius, President of Bluegreen Resorts. “It’s also very important for us to show this commitment to our guests. All 13
Bluegreen resorts in Florida are undergoing designation, and we’re honored to receive our Green Lodging designation at Solara
Surfside™.”
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 established 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 Solara
Surfside Resort, the program has 216 designated properties and more than 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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