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HUTCHINSON ISLAND – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the Hutchinson
Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The property is the 251st 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 are proud to announce that The Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina has earned its One Palm designation
in the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said DEP Southeast District Director Jack Long. “This expansive resort will help
conserve the natural beauty and resources of Florida’s Treasure Coast by exercising green practices in its daily
operations.”
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 Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina is excited and honored to be designated in the Florida
Green Lodging
Program,” said Tenille Mcleod, Director of Sales and Marketing. “This program gives us the opportunity to address the
environmental impact the lodging industry has in our community and on our planet, as well as serving the shared interest
of environmental responsibility among our guests and associates.”
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 Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina, 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/.
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