Green Hotel Eco News

TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—Friday the thirteenth was a lucky day for participants in the Florida Green Lodging Program, an effort by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to encourage the lodging industry to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. It was on that day that Governor Charlie Crist issued an Executive Order that will require all state agencies and departments under his direction to do business only with Florida Green Lodging Program participants as of January 1, 2008.

Crist issued the order during a speech outlining his direction for Florida’s energy future. Additional state government goals include:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions 10 percent by 2012, 25 percent by 2017, and 40 percent by 2025.
• Scaling back electric utility emissions to 2000 levels by 2017, to 1990 levels by 2025, and to 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050.
• Adopting California motor vehicle emission standards and reducing such emissions 22 percent by 2012 and 30 percent by 2016.
• Transitioning to 20 percent renewable energy by 2020.

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By Laura Figueroa, The Miami HeraldMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News

Jul. 17--The pristine white sheets of many hotel beds throughout Miami-Dade County are about to "go green" as part of a water and energy conservation initiative announced Tuesday by county officials.

Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz and officials of the county Water and Sewer Department gathered at the Clarion Collection Las Palmas Hotel and Suites, 8436 NW 36th St., Tuesday morning for a press conference to unveil the county's "Green Lodging Program."

Under the program, hotels would change certain operations to become more environmentally friendly. Hotel light bulbs would be changed to fluorescent bulbs, and consenting guests at participating hotels would have their sheets changed every three days instead of every day to cut down on the water and electricity used for laundry.

"The majority of our guests are corporate guests who stay here more than three days, and we've gotten positive feed back," said Chris Lopez, general manager of Las Palmas Hotel and Suites, the first hotel in the county to sign on to the green initiative. "Everyone just wants to pitch in."

Lopez said the 100 room hotel would save roughly 1,000 gallons of water each day, which could result in lower prices for guests in the long run.

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To see more of The Miami Herald or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.herald.com.

Will all of Disney World's hotels meet the 'green' standards set forth by the Florida Green Lodging Association in time for next Earth Day? The activist group Florida Alliance for Healthy Indoor Environment claims that Disney has pledged to do so, but a Disney spokesperson says she hasn't heard of any pledge.

Back in April I reported on The Disney Blog that there was a a push from the Center for Health and Environmental Justice to get Disney to make just such a pledge. That was the work of Lois Gibbs, who did good by bringing the Love Canal toxic waste scandal to light. Looks like The CHEF and FLHIE are now working together. (article author Heather Wilson appears to work for both organizations too.)

Since the previous announcement was a bit of a PR Stunt, I have to wonder how much of this claim is as well. But Disney has shown in the past they're committed to the environment and lead the state in certified green hotels, so it just may be that Disney has set a goal of Earth Day 2008.

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OAKLAND, Calif., July 25, 2007 -- When Florida's Governor Jim Crist signed his comprehensive climate-change executive order last week, one of the items on the list of new practices mandated that state agencies must plan meetings and conferences at hotels and facilities that meet the state's Green Lodging certification for environmentally friendly practices.

The Executive Order launched what is likely to be boom times for the state's Green Lodging Program, which currently counts 25 hotels certified under the program, and an additional 33 hotels awaiting certification.

But two new studies of consumer behavior finds that even when a hotel adopts energy- and water-saving measures or other green practices, hotel guests are more likely to waste resources at a hotel than they are at home.

A survey of frequent travelers from Element Hotels, a new line of hotels from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, found that 59 percent of regular travelers admitted that their "green routines" often slipped when they were on the road. Sixty-two percent said they use water and energy less efficiently for the simple reason that they don't have to pay for it. Seventy percent of the travelers surveyed said they try to conserve water at home, but only 18 percent said their same behaviors applied when they stay at hotels.

And as part of J.D. Power and Associates' 11th annual "North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study," respondents were asked about the conservation programs in place at the hotels they visited. Nearly a third -- 29 percent -- said they didn't know if their hotels had a conservation program in place, and a further 27 percent were aware of the programs, but chose not to participate.

The study found that older generations are much less likely to get involved in green programs at hotels: only 33 percent of the "Pre-Boomer" generation (those born before 1946) staying at luxury hotels said they would participate in a conservation program at their hotel, compared to 87 percent of Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964), and 95 percent of Generation Xers (people born between 1965 and 1976).

Among the most surprising findings of the survey, according to Linda Hirneise, executive director of J.D. Power & Associates, was the level of awareness about conservation programs at hotels. Twenty-nine percent of respondents said they didn't know the hotel had any conservation programs in place, which Hirneise said is likely a failure to promote the programs rather than a lack of having conservation programs at hotels.

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The TradeWinds Island Resorts – the Island Grand Resort and the Sandpiper Hotel & Suites – located on the Gulf of Mexico on the island of St. Pete Beach, Florida

WHAT: The TradeWinds Sandpiper Suites was recently awarded the Green Lodging Certification from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in recognition for their efforts to protect the area’s natural resources. Florida’s voluntary, non-regulatory Green Lodging Program works with the lodging industry to reduce waste and minimize pollution. TradeWinds’ green initiatives include an extensive paper, cardboard and aluminum recycling program that involves guests, and participation in the Water CHAMPs program through the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The resort also uses energy-efficient appliances that are Energy Star-rated, and high-efficiency air filters with an aggressive program to improve indoor air quality. A towel and linen reuse program is also utilized through housekeeping. The Sandpiper’s sister property – the Island Grand – was awarded the Green Lodging designation in June 2006.

Green-minded guests may want to celebrate these designations by driving their hybrid, riding their bike, or paddling their canoe over to the TradeWinds Island Resorts, which recently introduced the “It’s Easy Being Green” package. The eco-friendly package includes three-nights accommodations in a smoke-free room at the Island Grand or Sandpiper Suites, two tickets to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, one day beach trolley pass for two, dolphin watch or sunset sailing cruise for two, and a double travel hammock as a take-home souvenir. Beginning at just $674* at the Island Grand, the package also includes one sea turtle adoption from the Clearwater Aquarium, complete with adoption papers, a biography and photos of the extraordinary sea creature.

The TradeWinds Island Grand has also retrofitted all of its beach front lighting so that sea turtles may return to their native nesting habitat and hatchlings can more easily make their way safely to the glow of the Gulf of Mexico. “The TradeWinds Island Grand is the first in the state to do a major retrofit to meet wildlife lighting requirements that balance sea turtle survival with human safety and security,” said Dean Gallagher, Environmental Specialist II with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee ( FFWCC). Certified by the FFWCC, this unique new amber LED flood light designed by the Lighting Science Group, is a lower impact light that is more pleasing to humans and turtles alike.

WHERE: Located on Florida’s West Coast, just steps from America’s #1 Beach in 2005 – Fort De Soto Beach – and 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport, the TradeWinds Island Resorts are situated on a strand of beach directly on the Gulf of Mexico. The resorts offer access to two great properties in one, with limitless beachfront recreation, 56,000 square feet of function space, sumptuous dining, and golf privileges at some of the area’s finest public and private clubs.

Bizjournal - Walt Disney World's Contemporary, Old Key West and Saratoga Springs Resorts were designated Tuesday by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as the 34th, 35th and 36th Florida hotels in its Florida Green Lodging Program.

The program is a voluntary state initiative that provides the hotel industry with technical assistance and encourages it to adopt cost-saving "green" practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

Among the measures taken by the three Disney (NYSE: DIS) hotels are a formal communication program between staff and guests, promoting environmental education and public feedback. In addition, the hotels conserve water through towel and linen reuse programs and low-flow toilets, faucets and other fixtures, and conserve energy with programmable thermostats, indoor and outdoor lighting sensors, a computerized energy management system and high energy-efficient lighting.

Waste is reduced by recycling office paper, newspaper, aluminum and steel cans and corrugated cardboard, purchasing products with 30 percent post consumer content and instituting policies such as bulk purchasing and reduced packaging. Indoor air quality is improved by utilizing high quality air-conditioning filters, using environmentally preferable cleaners and following a preventative maintenance schedule for all air-conditioning systems.

The state program was launched in March 2004. It establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. As a reward for designation, the state recommends facilities within the Green Lodging Program to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities.

The state says more than 80 Florida hotels in are currently in the review and inspection process.

We like that they quickly run through the half-hearted efforts, like putting a little placard up asking guests to reuse their towels, and quickly get to some practices that take real effort. We're still a little grossed out by the waterless urinals at The Colony Resort and Cabana Club, but we do like their idea of using recycled carpet squares instead of wall-to-wall. "When one square wears out, detach, recycle and replace it, without throwing out the whole rug." Owner and manager Jestena Boughton also reuses sheets that have gotten a rip, turning them into curtains or pillowcases.

In wealthy Palm Beach County, The Colony Hotel (above) and the Breakers Palm Beach have both earned a "Green Lodging Certification" from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. In downtown Miami, the Four Seasons and InterContinental have gotten the nod.

Kudos to Rick Hawkins, The Breakers' director of materials management, who puts it all in language that the Wall Street Journal editorial page readers can understand. "If we don't do things to save the planet, our lovely historic hotel is going to be a dive site one day. And everything we've done boosts profitability. The return on investment long-term is huge."

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The Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando and the Plaza Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach have been designated as part of the Florida Green Lodging Program by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The Florida Green Lodging Program is a voluntary state initiative that encourages hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving green practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

The Shingle Creek resort is the 12th participant from Orange County on 44th overall in the state. The Plaza Resort is the third participant in Volusia County, joining its sister hotels the Palm Plaza and the Beachside Plaza Resort.

Deer Run Bed & Breakfast was accepted this week into the state of Florida's Green Lodging Program. The four room bed and breakfast on Big Pine Key serves organic vegetarian meals and buys fair trade products and locally grown produce.

Deer Run has reduced energy consumption by installing energy efficient appliances, compact fluorescent light bulbs, solar garden lighting and on-demand water heating.

The B&B conserves water through low flow showerheads with soap up valves, low flow faucets and by landscaping with native plants that require little irrigation. It uses recycled paper products, composts food and yard waste, has implemented a towel and linen re-use program and uses green cleaners. Guest rooms are stocked with cruelty-free personal products.
Key deer doe and fawn at Deer Run Bed & Breakfast (Photo courtesy Deer Run B&B)
Hotels, motels and B&Bs across Florida are quickly greening up their establishments to make them eligible to attract business from the state.

In July, Governor Charlie Crist signed an executive order that requires state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences only at hotels with the Green Lodging designation starting January 1, 2008, whenever possible.

Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program is a voluntary state initiative that provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, and encourages hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving green practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources. It establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution.

As a further reward for designation, Florida is recommending Green Lodges to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities.

With the addition of Deer Run Bed & Breakfast, the program has 43 hotels designated, including five in the Florida Keys, and has more than 120 applicants.

"We are proud to be a part of Deer Run Bed & Breakfast reaching this milestone," said Jon Iglehart, South District director for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. "Pollution prevention projects like this one protect the environment while saving resources for businesses."

The Deer Run B&B has a special environment to protect. Situated on one of the Keys' rare sandy beaches, it is frequented by Key deer, a small deer on the endangered species list found only in the Florida Keys.

"It is our obligation to be a good steward of the gifts of our environment," said Deer Run owners Harry Appel and Jennifer DeMaria. "We are so proud to become an official Green Lodging establishment certified by the State of Florida and shall use this opportunity to lead by example, and continue to learn from others."

The latest recipient of Florida's Green Lodging Program accreditation: Big Pine Key's Deer Run Bed & Breakfast, which provides organic vegetarian meals and buys fair-trade products and locally grown produce. The voluntary state initiative encourages and assists the lodging industry to adopt cost-saving green practices, while establishing environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and slash pollution.

Now one of the 43 hotels endorsed by Green Lodges, Deer Run has reduced energy consumption with energy-efficient appliances, compact fluorescent light bulbs, solar garden lighting, and on-demand water heating.

Besides installing low-flow showerheads with soap-up valves and low-flow faucets, as well as landscaping with less-thirsty native plants, the four-room bed-and-breakfast—which derives its name from the endangered Key deer that frequent its grounds—also stocks recycled paper products, composts food and yard waste, and uses eco-friendly cleaners.

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Cooper Hotels, a leading, multi-brand owner and operator of 22 hotels in the eastern half of the U.S. today announced that its four Florida properties are in the process of becoming certified "Green Lodges" by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The hotels are the Hilton Naples, Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs, and two Fort Myers hotels, the Homewood Suites by Hilton and the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Bell Tower Shops.

Certification depends not only on implementing green practices required by the department, but also on securing the commitment of top management. In this case it is Pace Cooper, President and CEO of the Memphis, Tennessee-based company. "While all of our hotels practice conservation, our Florida hotels are taking it to the next level with constant monitoring of results and feedback," said Mr. Cooper. "Most importantly, we will involve our guests in our efforts. Since many of them practice some level of conservation at home, they will appreciate the opportunity to contribute while traveling."

Criteria in five areas must be met in order to attain green status. Communications efforts must include a "green team" chaired by the hotel general manager, with representatives from each job position. The hotel staff must be familiar with the hotel's environmental policy and their role in it. Discussions on green practices at staff meetings are mandatory and require documentation. Guests and staff must receive communications on environmental initiatives via newsletters, or placards in guest rooms. Finally, a suggestion box or survey form must be provided for guests and staff to give feedback on green practices.

For water conservation, towel and linen reuse programs are required along with low flow faucets, showerheads and toilets and automatic faucets or toilets in public restrooms.

Energy efficiency measures include using Energy Star-rated equipment, programmable thermostats, sensor-controlled lighting, high-energy efficient lighting and a computerized energy management system.

Waste reduction is accomplished by recycling ink and toner cartridges, paper, cardboard, aluminum and steel cans. Use of recycled office paper, toilet tissues, paper towels or paper napkins is required as is bulk purchasing or reduced packaging.

Clean air practices consist of environmentally preferable cleaners, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, cleaning air handler units and coils at least annually and following up with a preventive maintenance schedule.