DEP AWARDS THE GREEN LODGING PROGRAM'S FIRST FOUR PALM DESIGNATION

Press Release graphic

PRESS RELEASE: May 21, 2015

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP AWARDS THE GREEN LODGING PROGRAM'S FIRST FOUR PALM DESIGNATION 

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

Green lodging

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection yesterday awarded the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables the Florida Green Lodging Program's Four Palm Designation for its remarkable conservation efforts. The hotel is the first in the program's 11-year history to receive a Four Palm Designation, the highest level possible.

“We are excited to award the first Four Palm Designation in the history of the Green Lodging Program to the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables,” DEP Office of Environmental Education and Sustainable Initiatives Director Greg Ira said. “Achieving the Four Palm Designation reflects an outstanding commitment to excellence and sustainability.”

To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels 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. This program provides the lodging industry with free technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

In addition to many environmentally friendly practices, the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables is actively involved with the ‘Clean The World’ initiative in which they recycled more than 16,000 pounds of used soap, shampoo, lotion and conditioner in 2014. They also recycle approximately 350 gallons of used cooking oil each month.

“We are honored to be the first member of the Florida Green Lodging Program to achieve the Four Palm designation in Florida," said Fred Hoffmann, general manager Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. "Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has set clear goals for 2020 to reduce 20 percent of our energy and water consumption; the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables is doing our part on achieving this goal. Thanks to our Green team members we have now achieved the Four Palm Designation and we are going to continue our efforts with sustainable Initiatives.”