|
SANIBEL – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will welcome the Ocean’s Reach Condominiums Resort to
the Florida Green Lodging Program this evening at 5:00 p.m. The property, which operates essentially as a hotel, is the first to
be designated on Sanibel Island and the 210th in the state. 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 pleased to welcome Ocean’s Reach as the first property on Sanibel Island to participate in the Florida
Green Lodging Program,” said Jon Iglehart, Director of DEP’s South District. “Their leadership will hopefully encourage others in the area to
make a similar commitment to conserving and protecting the precious resources of the Island while still providing a rewarding
experience for their guests.”
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.
“Ocean’s Reach Condominiums Resort and Sanibel Island are sanctuaries not just for our guests, but also for the plants and
wildlife that have lived here for hundreds of years. By recycling and conserving energy, we will keep the area as pristine as
possible,” said Andy Boyle, general manager. “It’s an honor to be part of the Florida
Green Lodging Program, and we hope every facility on Sanibel joins us.”
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 the 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 Oceans Reach Condominiums 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/.
| 
