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MIAMI - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the Hyatt Regency Miami to the Florida
Green Lodging Program. The property is the 194th in the state to be designated. The voluntary state initiative provides the
lodging industry with free technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce
waste and conserve natural resources.
“DEP is pleased to welcome the Hyatt Regency Miami to the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said DEP Southeast District Director
Jack Long. “By reducing water use, conserving energy, improving air quality and decreasing solid waste, the Hyatt Regency is
showing that even downtown urban areas can do their part in helping to improve the environment.”
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.
“As the largest meetings and conventions hotel in Miami, the benefit our conservation and ecological efforts will have on the
environment is significant,” said Matt Graham with the Hyatt Regency Miami. “Travelers and meeting planners are considering
ecological impact before booking conferences, events and accommodations. We are pleased and proud that Hyatt Regency Miami now
provides outstanding service in an environmentally friendly setting.”
Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve
natural resources and prevent pollution. In 2007, 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. With the addition of the Hyatt Regency Miami,
the program has 242 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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