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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2007 THE RENAISSANCE ORLANDO HOTEL - AIRPORT RECEIVES FLORIDA GREEN LODGING DESIGNATION ORLANDO - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the Renaissance Orlando Hotel – Airport to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The Renaissance is the 61st facility to be designated in the state. The Florida Green Lodging Program is a voluntary state initiative that provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources. “DEP is proud that the Renaissance Orlando Hotel – Airport is making the commitment to protect Florida’s environment by joining the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. “Their leadership can serve as an example and a challenge to other hotels to adopt green practices, which conserve resources and save money.” To be designated a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must implement a variety of green practices. These practices include, but are not limited to, water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures and a linen reuse program, and energy efficiency achieved by installing ENERGY STAR® appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are met by providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, purchasing recycled materials and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All designated members of the Florida Green Lodging Program must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air filters, and clean air handler units frequently. “We are so proud to be recognized as a Florida Green Lodging Hotel,” said Jim Berkley, General Manager of the Renaissance. “The Renaissance Orlando Hotel - Airport, as the first Orlando Airport market certified Green Lodging Hotel, is committed to protecting our environment and making a positive impact to Florida’s natural resources. By conserving energy, reducing solid waste and improving air quality in our hotel, we believe our guests and associates will carry forward the important message of environmental protection.” On July 13, at his Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, Governor Crist signed three executive orders initiating state energy-use policies, including one that requires state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences only at hotels with Florida Green Lodging Program designation starting January 1, 2008, whenever possible. The Summit was a bold first step to explore groundbreaking technologies and strategies that will place our state at the forefront of the growing world-wide movement to reduce greenhouse gases. Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. As reward for designation, Florida is recommending designated facilities to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities. With the addition of the Renaissance Orlando Hotel – Airport, the program has designated 68 hotels and has more than 230 applicants. For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.
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