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MIAMI – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the Embassy Suites Tampa - Downtown
Convention Center to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The property is the 209th 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.
“DEP is excited to welcome Embassy Suites Tampa - Downtown Convention Center to the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said DEP
Southwest District Director Deborah Getzoff. “Program participants stand out as the industry’s environmental leaders by preserving
the state’s natural resources, conserving energy as well as protecting waterways.”
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.
“We are honored to receive the Florida Green Lodging Program designation,” said Jeff Silsbee, Director of Front Office for the
Embassy Suites Tampa - Downtown Convention Center. “Working through the designation process has raised our awareness as to what
we can do to make a difference and increased our commitment to preserving our natural resources. The program is crucial in
helping our hotel to conduct business in a more environmentally conscious manner while providing cost savings at the same time.”
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 Embassy Suites Tampa -
Downtown Convention Center, 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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