THE FLORIDA GREEN LODGING PROGRAM
What is the Florida Green Lodging Program?
Launched in 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program is an initiative of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that reviews, designates and recognizes lodging facilities that make a voluntary commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. The program’s environmental guidelines enable lodging facilities to evaluate their operations, set goals and take specific action to continuously improve environmental performance.
What is a Florida Green Lodging Program Designated Property?
A Florida Green Lodging Program designated property is a hotel, motel, resort or bed & breakfast that implements programs and practices aimed at protecting and conserving Florida’s natural resources and the environment, while educating their staff and guests about its importance.
How does a property become a designated Florida Green Lodging Program Property?
The Florida Green Lodging Program is administered primarily online. To become designated, facilities must conduct a thorough property assessment and implement a specified number of environmental practices in five areas of sustainable operations: communication and education; waste reduction, reuse and recycling; water conservation; energy efficiency; and indoor air quality. The designation application allows for the expansion of environmental criteria within each section and, more importantly, the assignment of different “weights” to the criteria based on the potential positive environmental impact.
A minimum point total is required for each section. Applicants are free to select which criteria to implement at their facility as long as the minimum total for that section is met. Failure to meet the minimum number of points will render that section incomplete and will delay designation approval.
Who designates members of the Florida Green Lodging Program?
The Florida Green Lodging Program is primarily administered online. Program staff and partners conduct random site verification visits to ensure each facility has met the requirements of the Florida Green Lodging Program.
What can I expect to see when staying at a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program?
Each property is required to meet a minimum set of environmental practices in five areas of sustainable operations. The set of practices each facility implements may vary. Examples of things to look for include recycling in guest rooms, the lobby, vending or eating areas; energy-efficient lighting throughout the hotel; low-flow toilets, shower heads and faucets; linen and/or towel reuse programs; and/or the use of green cleaners and ENERGY STAR® rated electronics and appliances. Remember, each property will have a slightly different program, so be sure to ask staff about their green practices.
What is the difference between one, two, three and four Palm designation?
The Florida Green Lodging Program recognizes the state’s lodging properties for their commitment to protecting the state’s natural resources through a four-tiered designation. Facilities are able to obtain different “Palm” levels based on the total number of points received when implementing criteria to receive their designation. The “Palm” levels are as follows:
One Palm designations will need between 212 and 398 points.
Two Palm designations will need between 399 and 557 points. ( This is where the ATLANTIC PLAZA is now! )
Three Palm designations will need between 558 and 717 points.
Four Palm designations will need between 718 and 796 points.
