HOTEL/MOTEL GREEN STANDARDS & CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Florida Department of Environmental Protection A joint project of Waste Reduction & Pollution Prevention

Project Staff  Peter Goren, Project Supervisor 850/ ,  Karen Moore, Waste Reduction 850/ ,  Slade Syrdahl, Pollution Prevention 850/ ,  Matina Wagner, Project Coordinator 863/ ,

Project Stakeholders (confirmed)

Project Goal To draft recommendations for establishing a “green standards” program for Florida’s Lodging Industry, which promotes water and energy conservation, waste reduction, recycling, and pollution prevention.

Project Plan Research/document what is currently being done in the lodging industry Draft “Green Hotel” definition and standards Solicit input from stakeholders Report progress and make recommendations

What is a “Green Hotel?” Green Hotels are also referred to as earth friendly inns, eco-friendly lodging, eco-lodges, eco-hotels, and eco-resorts. These lodging establishments feature innovative and imaginative programs for conserving natural resources, reducing waste, minimizing pollution, while maximizing sustainability.

What is a “Green Hotel?” con’t. Many of these facilities are designed and constructed with a concern for environmental quality. While other properties consist of recycled and/or renovated buildings with upgrades to conserve energy and water, minimize waste, incorporate natural landscaping, or utilize recovered building materials. Some properties also support local environmental efforts or groups and/or offer environmental education or excursions.

What is a “Green Hotel?” con’t Although the type and level of activity at the Green Hotel's we have researched varies widely, all these facilities have a common commitment to protect the environment.

Industry Perspective Outside the U.S.A. Skandia Hotels Inter-Continental Hotels and Resorts Caribbean - Project Planet Corp Conserving for Tomorrow & Caribbean Cares St. John Island – Maho Bay South America – Costa Rica and Mexico Canada – Green Leaf Eco-Rating and Canadian Pacific

Industry Perspective In the U.S.A. Vermont – Green Hotels in the Green Mt State Pennsylvania - DER Programs in the Pokonos Texas – home of the Green Hotels Association North Carolina – The Green Plan for Hotels California – ISWMB Arizona – Good Earthkeeping Program Georgia – Hotel/Motel Waste Reduction Initiative Virginia – environmentaLodging

What’s been done in Florida? FDEP/EPA Region IV has sponsored the following: 1) 1991 Townsend/Earle Study 2) FDEP H/M Waste Reduction Project 3) FDEP/SWIX H/M Waste Reduction Survey Project 4) 2002 Green Hotel Standards Project These projects were all co-sponsored by the Florida Hotel/Motel Association (FHMA)

Existing Green Hotel Programs Green Seal CERES (Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies) IHEI (Intl Hotels Environmental Initiative) CST (Certification for Sustainable Tourism) Green Hotels Association ECOTEL EPA’s WAVE and ENERGY STAR Programs

Proposed Certification Process To initiate facility will complete certification application Two tier structure The first tier will include a basic certification focuses on all facilities. The second tier will focus on more stringent criteria.

Two Ways to Become Certified FDEP Waste Reduction Staff can perform an assessment at no cost, or A facility may hire a certified assessor to perform the assessment.

Initial Certification Certification good for no more than two years After the initial certification, facilities may opt to perform self assessments to become recertified Facilities may lose certification through follow- up assessments performed by FDEP staff. If facility loses certification because an outside assessor did not perform the initial assessment according to department standards then that assessors licence can be revoked and the facility will be given a set amount of time to redo the initial assessment.

Benefits of Being Certified State employees are recommended to stay at certified properties Certified facilities can advertise Facilities will be placed on Green Lodging list and recommended to other companies and trade organizations looking for environmentally conscience hotels and convention facilities Facilities will be showcased during department presentations and functions

Developing/Drafting Standards EXERCISE Divide group into teams of about 6-10 people Assign each group to an area: air, water, energy, waste reduction/recycling, sustainability/purchasing Ask them to brainstorm a checklist of items/procedures that would help “green” a hotel.

Developing/Drafting Standards EXERCISE Ask each group to assign a scribe and a speaker Give group approximately 15 minutes to brainstorm a list of at least standards for their area Group speakers will briefly present lists to rest of audience

Next Steps  Stakeholders Workshop Doubletree Hotel – Gainesville August 13 from 8am to 4pm  Proposed Training Program for Assessing/Certifying Hotels (TREEO)  Marketing/Advertising Certification Program

Q & A Co-Presenters: Matina Wagner & Karen Moore