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LAKE MARY – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary to the Florida Green Lodging Program.
The property is the 217th in the state to become a designated member of the
program. 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 proud to welcome the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary as the 4th property
in Seminole County to become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging
Program,” said DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. “By taking this
step the hotel is demonstrating to others in the area that ‘going green’ is not
only great for business, but for the environment 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
properties must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air filters.
“Being eco-friendly has been our mission at Marriott Hotels for many years,”
said Bruce Skwarlo, General Manager. “Recently, with the emphasis by our guests
to implement environmentally conscious practices at home it was only natural
they would embrace the same attitudes while traveling. We will remain committed
to expand our efforts each and every day to help reduce our carbon footprint.”
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 Orlando Marriott Lake Mary, the program has 255 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/. | 
