When visiting Florida, why not choose a “green” hotel?

The Florida Green Lodging Program (FGLP), sponsored by the Department of Environmental Protection, certifies hotels, resorts, motels and bed & breakfast inns around the state that show a dedication to protecting the environment. And “green” isn’t just telling the housekeeping staff not to change the sheets. For example, more rigorous inspection and cleaning of hotel air conditioners not only means lower fuel bills for hotels, but markedly cleaner air for customers.

Established in 2004, the program is constantly adding new environmentally friendly hotels to its roster. As of fall 2007, the program had more than three dozen hotels certified and 62 applicants awaiting approval. Those who apply to become “green” must abide by FGLP’s criteria, which are based on five core activities: communication, water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction and clean air practices. Once the checklist is completed, an FGLP certifier visits the facility to verify compliance.

Peter Goren, an environmental manager with the State of Florida, says one benefit for hotels to turn “green” is the amount of money they save each year. Hotels can gain revenue by buying recycled products or spending less on the cost per ton for waste disposal. For consumers, this means hotels can keep their rates low.

Each hotel decides what it wants to do to maintain its “green” status while helping conserve and protect Florida’s environment. TradeWinds in St. Pete Beach installed Fluidmasters to control toilet water, and most of the facility uses sensor lighting. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, programmable thermostats keep the temperature at a constant, and the resort schedules regular cleaning and maintenance of all its air-conditioning systems. The Four Seasons Hotel in Miami uses low-flow nozzles in the kitchen and has signs around the facility to educate the staff and visitors.

Many “green” hotels also use environmentally friendly cleaners and purchase 30 percent post-consumer recycled paper supplies to minimize their impact on the environment.

On VISITFLORIDA.com, green lodging is indicated by a little green “house” icon.


This article was originally published in the 2008 edition of the Official Florida Vacation Guide. Click here to view or order Florida travel guides.