DELRAY BEACH, FLA.—Hotel operating and development company Ocean Properties Ltd. has successfully earned Green Lodging Certification for 28 of its 30 hotel and resort properties in Florida. Administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the voluntary Green Lodging program encourages hotels to adopt cost-saving practices that reduce waste, conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. To date, fewer than 10 percent of Florida’s 4,000-plus hotels, motels, resorts and inns have met the stringent guidelines necessary to earn the certification.
“We are committed to being good stewards of the communities we serve, and put that commitment into action by adopting new ‘green’ standards and practices,” stated Rick Konsavage, Florida regional director of operations for Ocean Properties Ltd. “We’ve reached our goal, and now our employees and guests alike have the opportunity to support this initiative and help protect Florida’s natural resources.”
According to Konsavage, with the certification of Key Largo Resort and Marriott Bay Beach Resort Key Largo, the company surpassed its goal of securing Green Lodging Certification for at least 80 percent of its Florida properties by 2010.
Multiple Programs Put in Place
Ocean Properties Ltd. formed a green team to establish programs and practices that encourage guests and employees to be more environmentally responsible during their hotel stay and work day. Guests at the 28 properties now have the opportunity to recycle plastic bottles, newspapers, aluminum cans and office paper. In addition, a company-wide, campus-wide energy management system, programmable thermostats and high efficiency lighting help conserve energy in all guestrooms and in more than 75,000 square feet of meeting space. Energy Star-rated appliances, low flow plumbing fixtures, and a linen and terry reuse program help to conserve water and waste is reduced by recycling and purchasing items in bulk.
The 28 Florida properties with Green Certification include: Banana Bay Resort, Key West; Courtyard by Marriott, Boynton Beach; Courtyard by Marriott Riverfront, Bradenton; Courtyard by Marriott, Coral Springs; Courtyard by Marriott, Hutchinson Island; Courtyard by Marriott, Naples; Courtyard Lake Buena Vista at Vista Centre; Hilton Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton; Hilton Longboat Key Beachfront Resort; Holiday Inn Highland Beach; Holiday Inn, Lido Beach; Holiday Inn, Port St. Lucie; Holiday Inn, Vero Beach; Holiday Inn Express, Boca Raton West; Holiday Inn Resort & Marina, Key Largo; Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa; Lido Beach Resort; Marina Del Mar Resort & Marina, Key Largo; Marriott Delray Beach; Marriott Hollywood Beach; Marriott Key Largo Bay Beach Resort; Ramada Resort & Marina, Key Largo; Residence Inn, Delray Beach; Sheraton Suites Key West; Springhill Suites, Tampa; The Weather Station, Key West; The Westin Key West Resort & Marina; and Travelodge Key West.
With headquarters in Delray Beach, Fla., Ocean Properties Ltd. is one of the largest privately-held hotel operating and development companies in the United States. Ocean Properties Ltd. operates more than 100 hotels across North America and the Caribbean, primarily under the Westin, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Marriott, and Sheraton brands. The company also has shopping centers, restaurants, and other real estate holdings.
Go to Ocean Properties.
