Florida Governor Crist Applauds Green Lodging Program
by Trey Granger
Published on August 31st, 2007
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ORLANDO, FL – Florida Governor Charlie Crist and Secretary Michael W. Sole applauded the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging Program and have launched the Green Lodging Program Web site at the Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort.
“The Green Lodging Program is an example of our firm commitment to reducing the effects of global climate change in our great state,” said Governor Crist. “I am grateful to our corporate partners for leading by example as we work to adopt cost-saving green practices that decrease energy use and conserve natural resources.”
This month, the Green Lodging Program will designate seven additional hotels, including the first in Tallahassee and the first two in Jacksonville. The new designations raise the total to 33 hotels, with 58 others currently in the reviewing process. Since Governor Crist’s executive order initiating state energy-use policies, 25 hotels have begun the designation process.
“These designated hotels and motels reduce water use, conserve energy and decrease their solid waste, three steps we should all make a priority,” said Secretary Michael W. Sole. “The success of the Green Lodging Program is evidence that there is a demand for green businesses, and every new designation is a new opportunity for Floridians to be better environmental stewards.”
Governor Crist signed Executive Order 07-126 on July 13, at Serve to Preserve A Florida Summit on Global Climate Change. Beginning January 1, 2008, the executive order requires state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences at hotels participating in DEP’s Green Lodging Program whenever possible.
The Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort uses ENERGYSTAR appliances to conserve energy and has implemented a comprehensive recycling program for paper, cardboard, aluminum and steel cans, magazines, plastic, ink cartridges, kitchen grease, fluorescent lamps and soaps. In addition, the property installed low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads, as well as charcoal air filters to reduce heating and cooling costs.
