TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—The Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Green Lodging Program has released an improved designation application for hotels and resorts interested in going green and joining the program. The updated application comprehensively recognizes lodging properties based on their level of progress towards truly sustainable operations.
In an effort to better recognize the state’s lodging properties for their commitment to protecting the state’s natural resources, the Florida Green Lodging Program is incorporating a four-level tiered designation. Facilities will be able to obtain different “Palm” levels based on the total number of points received when implementing criteria to receive their designation.
“Green Lodging is a program that has been embraced by hotels and resorts statewide,” says Brad Stombock, director of the Department’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives. “In a state with as many tourists as Florida, having this level of participation in the Green Lodging Program speaks volumes about the attitude of this industry towards green initiatives.”
An Inspirational Program
The ever-growing importance of green options has inspired many people to improve recycling within their homes, research green alternatives to current lifestyle choices and even purchase new eco-friendly vehicles. People recognize opportunities to go green around every corner, and are now able to apply that philosophy when choosing vacation destinations.
Currently, the Green Lodging Program recognizes 170,000 hotel rooms statewide. That number is drawn from small bed and breakfast locations to major tourist resorts and represents just more than 41 percent of the total number of hotel rooms in the state. With the addition of numerous new best management criteria to the application, the Florida Green Lodging Program will continue to have the highest level of participation nationwide.
In an effort to better recognize designated members of the program, the application was developed in conjunction with Audubon International. The new application will make it easier for the hotel to achieve recognition in the Audubon International Green Lodging Program, in addition to the Florida Green Lodging Program.
Click here for more information.
