‘Green’ Budget Strengthens Governor’s Environmental Commitment

TALLAHASSEE —On Thursday, Governor Jeb Bush signed a ‘green’ budget for Florida, providing the Department with more than $2 billion to fight pollution, improve water quality and supply and strengthen protection for Florida’s natural resources. Appropriations include more than $400 million to continue restoring America’s Everglades and acquiring environmentally-sensitive land, $73 million to restore Florida’s hurricane-ravaged beaches, and more than $294 million to improve the health of rivers, lakes, estuaries and springs.

“Florida’s Governor is again expanding protection for the state’s unique and diverse environment,” said Secretary Castille. “With additional funding, Florida is protecting and preserving our quality of life, increasing economic and conservation opportunities and improving the quality and flow of the state’s precious water resources.”

DEP’s Green Lodging Helps Hotels Improve Air Quality

TALLAHASSEEE – The Department is partnering with REJUVINAIR, INC. to help Florida’s lodging industry create a healthier and safer indoor environment, conserve energy and improve air quality in hotels and motels across the state. The partnership is the latest component of DEP’s Green Lodging initiative, which encourages hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving ‘green’ practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

“Florida’s Green Lodges, along with the companies providing green products and services, are taking a leadership role in their industry,” said Secretary Castille. “Their environmental commitment serves as an example and challenge to other hotels and suppliers to adopt innovative green practices, conserve resources and save money.”

REJUVINAIR is an air conditioner maintenance service company, specializing in steam sanitizing and mold removal that improves the performance, indoor air quality and energy efficiency of air conditioners.
Through the public-private partnership, REJUVINAIR will provide Florida’s lodging industry with technical assistance on products and services that create a healthier indoor environment. The company will also provide the Florida Green Lodging Program Candidates and Certified Lodges with product discounts. REJUVINAIR’s involvement with the Florida Green Lodging Certification Program will help share the benefits of the initiative with other hotels and motels and encourage personnel to use Certified Florida Green Lodges for conferences, meetings and travel.

The Florida Green Lodging Certification Program is a voluntary initiative that establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. Hotels and motels reduce costs and earn designation by investing in simple and innovative ‘green’ practices. Florida is home to four ‘green’ certified hotels, with 14 others enrolled and working toward designation.

As reward for designation, Florida is recommending Green Lodgings to companies and trade organizations seeking eco-friendly lodging and convention facilities. For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Certification program, visit www.floridagreenlodging.org.

 Governor Jeb Bush
Secretary Colleen M. Castille

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