Orlando Green Hotel
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the Embassy Suites International Drive/Jamaican Court to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The Embassy Suites is the 111th property in the state to be designated as a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
“DEP is excited to welcome another Embassy Suites to the select group of designated properties in the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. “By taking steps to reduce energy usage and conserve water, the Embassy Suites is helping to protect Florida’s environment not only for our millions of residents and visitors, but for future generations as well.”
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 through low flow plumbing fixtures and 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.
“The process of ‘Going Green’ and implementing the Florida Green Lodging Program requirements has not only been received in a very positive manner by our guests but by our team members as well,” said Ron Caimano, General Manager of the Embassy Suites International Drive/Jamaican Court. “Everyone has embraced the concept and worked to make it a success. With the implementation of new programs and procedures money has been saved without detracting from the guest experience, providing the best of both worlds.”
On July 13, 2007, at his Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, 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 Florida Green Lodging Program designation as of January 1, 2008, whenever possible. The Summit was a bold first step to explore groundbreaking technologies and strategies that will place our state at the forefront of the growing world-wide movement to reduce greenhouse gases.
Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. As a 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. With the addition of the Embassy Suites International Drive/Jamaican Court, the program has 119 designated properties and more than 325 applicants.
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.
