Embassy Suites Boca Raton Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation

Environmentally-friendly hotel conserves resources, saves money, and attracts customers-

(Tuesday, May 20, 2008) - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the Embassy Suites Boca Raton to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The Embassy Suites Boca Raton is the first hotel designated in the City of Boca Raton and the 139th in the state. The voluntary state initiative 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 excited to welcome the Embassy Suites Boca Raton as a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program," said Jack Long, DEP Southeast District Director. "They have set an example for other hotels to adopt green practices, which not only protect our environment for future generations, but also conserve resources and save money."

To become a designated 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.

"The Embassy Suites Hotel Boca Raton is proud to be the first full-service hotel in Boca Raton to receive the Florida Green Lodging Program's One Palm designation," said Tony Franzone, General Manager of the Embassy Suites Boca Raton. "Our entire staff has worked hard to make our hotel green, and we realize the importance of reducing waste and conserving our natural resources. We've received a very positive response from our guests, and are pleased to be a participant in the program."

Recently, Governor Crist announced the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change this June, building on the foundation for Florida's energy future that began at last year's summit. During the 2007 summit, 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 as of January 1, 2008, whenever possible. The summit will explore technologies and strategies to stimulate economic development in clean technologies as well as "green" Florida's business community.

Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program established 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 Embassy Suites Hotel Boca Raton, the program has 181 designated properties and more than 345 applicants.

For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.

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