ORLANDO, FL—(November 1, 2009) It may not be easy being green but as concerns about global warming and other conservation issues become of major concern, the International Drive Resort Area is rising to the “green” challenge.

 

Thirty accommodations in the International Drive Resort area have been certified by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and have met the qualifications for designation as a member of the Florida Green Lodging program.  Many other properties in the area are currently awaiting designation to be conferred.

 

Rosen Hotels and Resorts recently received recognition as the first hotels in Central Florida to achieve Two Palm status in the DEP Green Lodging Program.  They are among only 11 Two Palms hotels in the state of Florida.  The three properties are: Rosen Plaza Hotel, Rosen Centre Hotel and Rosen Shingle Creek.  To achieve this level of designation a hotel/motel must have maintained the facility's One Palm status for at least 12 consecutive months prior to applying for Two Palm designation.  They must have conducted an environmental baseline assessment and demonstrate a reduction in energy and water consumption and a reduction in waste disposal.  In addition, they must developed and implemented performance improvement goals, and evaluated their progress.  For more information about Rosen Hotels and Resorts Green meetings program, visit rosengreenmeetings.com.

 

Eco-tourism is a growing movement that encourages environmentally responsible travel around the world. Each day its importance becomes more evident as it relates to the quality of life that the future will bring…whether at home or while traveling.

 

From changing linens and towels only upon request to using water-conserving bathroom fixtures and toilets, the area hotel industry is responding to the trend toward environmental responsibility. Likewise, visitors express positive feedback as they embrace the green trend. Meeting planners express interest in doing business with environmentally conscious facilities that offer “green meetings.”

 

 

As travelers become more willing to make changes regarding conservations efforts, accommodations in the I-Drive Resort area are adopting measures to demonstrate their commitment to conservation and improving the environment.

 

The DEP has named the following 27 International Drive Resort Area properties to the Florida Green Lodging Program with One Palm certifications:

 

 

To be designated a 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.

 

Launched in March 2004, the Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. After receiving the designation, hotels are recommended to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging facilities. (www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging)

 

 

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is the first in the country to receive certification for its recycling efforts. Recognized for recycling 40 percent of its waste, the center also uses reclaimed water for all of its landscape irrigation, has energy-efficient motors to power fountain pumps and has a control system to regulate air-conditioning and lighting levels. Hosting 300 events, shows and meetings a year, the OCCC is the second largest convention center in the U.S. (www.occc.net).

 

This summer, at his Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, Florida 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 Green Lodging designation starting January 1, 2008, whenever possible. The Summit was a bold first step to explore groundbreaking technologies and strategies that will place Florida at the forefront of the growing world-wide movement to reduce greenhouse gases.

 

Since it began in 1997, the I-Ride Trolley has been one of the most popular attractions among millions of visitors to the I-Drive area. It allows guests to park their car and ride stress-free to the accommodations and attractions in the world’s most popular vacation destination.  And at $1.25 for a single adult ride, it is the best bargain in the area.  

 

Costs: Single fare, $1.25 per ride; senior fare 65 and over, 25 cents per ride. Children under 12 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult. Unlimited ride passes are available: (one-day pass, $4.00 per person); (three-day pass, $6.00 per person); (five-day pass, $8.00 per person); (seven-day pass, $10.00 per person) (14-day pass, $17.00 per person).

 

Combining the charm of the past with today’s modern comforts, this prototype destination transportation system has logged more than 17.5 million trips since it began service. Each I-Ride Trolley seats 54 riders plus two wheelchair positions and an ADA-specified hydraulic lift system. The system operates 15 trolleys with service from 8 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. daily. For information, visit www.iridetrolley.com.

 

 

The International Drive Resort Area has implemented plans to print all of its publications on recycled paper in 2008. This includes 500,000 Official Visitors Guides, 400,000 I-Ride Trolley maps, stationery and comment cards.

 

For more information on the International Drive Resort Area, please visit www.internationaldriveorlando.com.

11/09