|
PALM BEACH GARDENS – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
recently welcomed the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott to the Florida Green Lodging
Program. The property is the 231st 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.
“We’re happy to present the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott with its One Palm
designation in the Florida Green Lodging program,” said DEP Southeast District
Director Jack Long. “They will be another leader in promoting environmental
conservation practices in the popular hotel and lodging community of Palm Beach
County.”
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.
"The Palm Beach Gardens Marriott is honored to participate in the Florida
Green Lodging Program," said Elena Peroulakis, Director of Sales & Marketing for
the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott. "Our team is dedicated to being a part of the
environmental solution while continuing to provide our guests with exceptional
customer service and an overall unique experience, such as with PURE allergy
friendly guest rooms and meeting space."
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 Palm Beach Gardens Marriott, the program has 273 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/. | 
