PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA.—The Doubletree Hotel Palm Beach Gardens announced that it has become an official member of the Florida Green Lodging Program. This voluntary state initiative by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) provides the lodging industry with technical assistance encouraging hotels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must implement a series of sustainable practices. These practices include, but are not limited to, water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures, a linen reuse program, and 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 cleaning supplies and high efficiency air filters.
The hotel team at the Doubletree Hotel Palm Beach Gardens continues to be conscious of the waste stream as much as possible by purchasing recycled content office supplies and paper towels, using Earth friendly cleaning products, and by donating linens. During the past year, all guestroom and corridor lighting was replaced with compact fluorescent lights for energy efficiency. The hotel has also implemented an extensive recycling program; including working with a local recycling company that takes used paper and converts it into new newsprint. Recycling of cans, plastic, glass, cardboard, magazines, and toner cartridges is also provided for guests and staff.
A Motivation to Do More
“The Doubletree Hotel Palm Beach Gardens is truly proud to join a growing community of hotels in the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said Sig Varela, hotel manager. “We not only think about how we can create impact internally with what we’ve already instituted today, we are continuously looking for opportunities within the community to take our green lodging certification to the next level. This recognition only further encourages us to show our commitment of corporate responsibility to the environment and local community.”
Doubletree is a member of the Hilton Family of Hotels, which has committed to reducing energy consumption by 20 percent, Co2 emissions by 20 percent, output of waste by 20 percent, and water consumption by 10 percent by 2014. The company also is committed to focusing on high-impact areas, including sustainable buildings and operations, and the advancement of sustainable design and construction, operations, chemical management, purchasing, and to the advancement of renewable energy as a source of power for operations, not only to reduce its carbon footprint but to develop a viable commercial infrastructure for powering its buildings.
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.
Go to the Doubletree Palm Beach Gardens.
