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NAPLES - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort
and The Ritz-Carlton, Naples to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The properties are the 193rd and 195th to be designated
in the state and 8th and 9th in Collier County. 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 Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples to the select group of area hotels that have made a
commitment to conserving Florida’s precious resources,” said DEP South District Director Jon Iglehart. “The upgrades
and management choices instituted will not only provide guests with a rewarding experience, but enable future generations
to enjoy it as well.”
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.
“This designation is a great honor and a tribute to the efforts of our passionate team of employees who continually
search for ways to conserve energy and improve efficiencies,” said Edward V. Staros, Vice President and Managing Director
of The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples. “Our employees are committed to taking exceptional care of our guests while also
concentrating on protecting, restoring and conserving Florida’s natural resources.”
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 The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples, the program has 254 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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