TAMPA, FLA.—Tampa-based BayStar Hotel Group is implementing environmentally friendly standards and practices in its hotels to earn Green Lodging certification from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). All of the properties managed by BayStar Hotel Group are involved. The hotels include: Holiday Inn-State Capitol East in Tallahassee; Holiday Inn Express-Lake Buena Vista; Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Largo; Holiday Inn Lakeland I-4 Hotel & Conference Center in Lakeland; and Best Western Brandon Hotel & Conference Center.
To qualify for Green Lodging certification, hotels must document efforts to reduce energy and water consumption, improve air quality and pass a DEP inspection. Some things, like linen reuse programs, compact fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow toilets, and recycled newspapers are fairly standard. Other initiatives include servicing air conditioning units every six months, installing MERV8-rated filters, water-wise landscaping, providing guests with recycling opportunities, and purchasing only paper items that have a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer recycled content. Installing renewable energy generating equipment, like a solar water heating system, and purchasing at least 5 percent green power through local utilities are other ways hotels can lower their carbon footprints.
BayStar Hotel Group’s environmental programs vary from property to property, according to Jacky Gill, the green champion for BayStar Hotel Group. “Our recycling options depend on the type of hotel it is,” Gill explained. “We analyzed the waste stream from guestrooms, meeting rooms, restaurants, bars, offices and breakfast rooms at each property to see what is being generated and what waste can be reduced. We found that our leisure hotels generate more 20-ounce plastic bottles, while business hotels trend toward aluminum cans and glass bottles.”
Each hotel has a green team with representatives from management, housekeeping and catering to identify and implement changes. Guests can also weigh in on the hotel’s program, which is described through in-room TV broadcasts, welcome letters or placards.
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