January 9th, 2009

From Green Right Now reports

Tourists heading for the theme parks and other attractions near Orlando have yet another green hotel choice. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has certified the Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista Hotel in the Marriott Village as the newest member of the Florida Green Lodging group of hotels.

Florida’s Green Lodging Program establishes guidelines for hotels and other tourist destinations seeking green status, which encompasses water and energy conservation to name a few. To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must implement a variety of green practices. These practices include water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling.

Established in 2004, the Florida program recognizes and rewards environmentally conscientious lodging facilities in the state. Hotels that are part of the program follow practices such as recycling in guest rooms, the lobby, vending or eating areas; use of compact fluorescent light bulbs throughout the hotel; low flow toilets, showerheads and faucets; linen and/or towel reuse programs; the use of green cleaners and Energy Star-rated electronics and appliances.

Florida’s hotels are certified at three levels:

• One Palm Designation — These hotels and motels have completed the core activities representing a minimum set of best management practices in the areas of communication, water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction and clean air. In addition, they must obtain support from top management, form an active multi-disciplinary “Green Team” and operate in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Two Palm Designation — These are hotels that have maintained their One Palm status for at least 12 consecutive months prior to applying for Two Palm designation. They also have conducted an environmental baseline assessment and demonstrated a reduction in energy and water consumption and a reduction in waste disposal. In addition, they must develop and implement performance improvement goals, and evaluate their progress.
• Three Palm Designation — At the highest level, hotels have maintained the facility’s Two Palm designation and have demonstrated continual improvement for three consecutive years. To retain this designation level, the facility must continue to maintain or improve its high level of commitment to protecting the state’s environment through the Florida Green Lodging program.

Related stories:

• List: Orlando area green hotels and resorts
• Stay in a ‘green’ hotel
• At ski resorts green is the new white