Green from the Ground Up

Green from the Ground Up

Florida Green Lodging Program designates six new members including state park cabins

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently designated six properties in the Florida Green Lodging Program, including the 16 cabins at Gold Head Branch State Park, the first designation in Clay County. 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, conserve natural resources and improve the bottom line.

"With this week’s designation of Gold Head Branch State Park, the program now boasts a total of six state park designations," said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. "We applaud the leadership and environmental stewardship demonstrated by all of this week’s designated program members and we’re pleased to see both the lodging and eco-tourism industries working to protect our state’s natural resources."

The six new program members are:

Northeast:

Gold Head Branch State Park Cabins, Keystone Heights

Northwest:

Country Inn & Suites, Tallahassee
Mainstay Suites, Port St. Joe
Port Inn, Port St. Joe

South:

Sundial Beach and Golf Resort, Sanibel Island LXR Resort
Westin Key West Resort and Marina, Key West

Florida’s State Parks are making strides towards providing eco-friendly lodging at all cabins and campgrounds. Gold Head Branch State Park uses a solar water heater for its campground in addition to making reductions in waste generation and water and energy consumption. Gold Head Branch State Park joins the following Green Lodging designated state parks:

• Blue Springs State Park Vacation Cabins, Orange City
• Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Cabins, Mayo
• Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Cabins, White Springs
• Suwannee River State Park Cabins, Live Oak
• Wakulla Springs State Park and Lodge, Wakulla Springs

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 by installing low flow plumbing fixtures and implementing 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 cleaners and high efficiency air filters, and clean air handler units frequently.

Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. As reward for designation, the state is recommending designated properties in the Florida Green Lodging Program to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities. To date the program has 366 designated properties and more than 400 applications. 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/.