from staff
The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine recently became the latest Northeast Florida property to join the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging Program.
The program recognizes hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and other properties for achieving measured increases in water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, clean air and communications.
To become a member of the program, hotels must implement a variety of green practices, including water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures and a linen reuse program and energy efficiency by installing Energy Star-rated appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are met through recycling programs and bulk purchasing, and all Green Lodging members must also use green cleaners, use high-efficiency air filters and clean air handler units frequently.
“We’re nearing completion of an extensive $10 million property-wide renovation of our resort, and we made sure to incorporate many green initiatives into the project,” added general manager Mark Schwantner. “This included installing water-efficient shower heads and toilets, implementing recycling programs throughout the resort, installing high-efficiency air filters, installing high energy-efficient lighting and communicating to our guests ways that they can help.”
Currently, 115 of Florida’s nearly 5,000 hotels have successfully completed the Green Lodging certification, with more than 300 in the application process. Ten properties in Northeast Florida have received the certification and DEP’s “One Palm” rating for increased conservation.
“We’re very proud of our One Palm rating,” said Schwantner. “Our entire staff has worked hard to make our resort green-certified, as we realize the importance of reducing waste and conserving our natural resources.”
The Green Lodging certification also makes good business sense for many property owners, as Gov. Charlie Crist last year signed three executive orders initiating state energy-use policies, including one that requires state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences only at facilities with Green Lodging certification.
Northeast Florida Green Lodging members:
• Casa Del Mar Inn & Suites, St. Augustine
• Castillo Real Resort Hotel, St. Augustine
• Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront, Jacksonville
• Hampton Inn, St. Augustine
• Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, St. Augustine
• Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront, St. Augus tine
• Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, Jack sonville
• Island Cottage Villas, Flagler Beach
• The Jenks House Bed & Breakfast, Jacksonville
Northeast Florida Green Lodging applicants:
• Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island
• Best Western Historical Inn, St. Augustine
• Best Western Southside Hotel & Suites, Orange Park
• Best Western Spanish Quarter Inn, St. Augustine
• Casa Monica Hotel, St. Augustine
• Comfort Inn, Orange Park
• Comfort Suites at World Golf Village, St. Augus tine
• Comfort Suites Baymeadows, Jacksonville
• Courtyard by Marriott Oceanfront, Jacksonville Beach
• Courtyard by Marriott Flagler Center, Jacksonville
• Days Inn Beach, St. Augustine
• Embassy Suites, Jacksonville
• Fairfield Inn & Suites, Jacksonville
• Grande Villas at World Golf Village, St. Augustine
• Hampton Inn Historic, St. Augustine
• Hampton Inn South, Jacksonville
• Hampton Inn & Suites, Amelia Island
• Hampton Inn & Suites Airport, Jacksonville
• Hilton Garden Inn Airport, Jacksonville
• Holiday Inn & Suites, St. Augustine
• Holiday Inn Airport Hotel, Jacksonville
• The Inn at Mayo Clinic by Marriott, Jacksonville
• The Lodge & Club, Ponte Vedra Beach
• Navy Lodge, Mayport
• Omni Hotel, Jacksonville
• Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, Ponte Vedra Beach
• Quality Inn & Suites Riverfront, Palatka
• Ramada Inn Mandarin, Jacksonville
• Residence Inn Baymeadows, Jacksonville
• The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
• Stephen Foster FCC State Park Cabins, White Springs
• Wingate by Wyndham, Jacksonville
• Wingate by Wyndham Airport, Jacksonville
• Wingate by Wyndham Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville
• Wyndham Riverwalk, Jacksonville