BAYSTAR HOTEL GROUP TAKING HOTELS GREEN

TAMPA, FLA. (Nov. 26, 2007) – Tampa-based BayStar Hotel Group is implementing environmentally friendly standards and practices in its hotels to earn the Green Lodging certification from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

All of the properties managed by BayStar Hotel Group are involved:
• Holiday Inn Capitol East in Tallahassee
• Holiday Inn Express – Lake Buena Vista
• Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Largo
• Holiday Inn Lakeland I-4 Hotel & Conference Center in Lakeland
• Best Western Brandon Hotel & Conference Center

To qualify for Green Lodging certification, hotels must document efforts to reduce energy and water consumption, improve air quality and pass a DEP inspection. Some things, like linen re-use programs, compact fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow toilets, and recycled newspapers are fairly standard. Other initiatives include servicing air conditioning units every six months, installing MERV8-rated filters, water-wise landscaping, providing guests with recycling opportunities, and purchasing only paper items that have a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content. Installing renewable energy generating equipment, like a solar water heating system, and purchasing at least five percent green power through local utilities are other ways hotels can lower their carbon footprints.

BayStar Hotel Group’s environmental programs vary from property to property, according to Jacky Gill, the green champion for BayStar Hotel Group. “Our recycling options depend on the type of hotel it is,” Gill explained. “We analyzed the waste stream from guest rooms, meeting rooms, restaurant, bar, offices and breakfast room at each property to see what is being generated and what waste can be reduced. We found that our leisure hotels generate more 20-ounce plastic bottles, while business hotels trend toward aluminum cans and glass bottles.”

Each hotel has a “green team” with representatives from management, housekeeping and catering to identify and implement changes. Guests can also weigh in on the hotel’s program, which is described through in-room TV broadcasts, welcome letters or placards.

About Florida Green Lodging
Created in 2004, The Florida Green Lodging Program is intended to recognize and reward environmentally conscientious lodging facilities in the state. The program got a boost from Gov. Charlie Crist’s executive order that requires state agencies to do business only Green Lodging hotels. The order goes into effect Jan. 1, 2008, and hotels who have applied, but are still going through the certification process qualify for this state business. Details are available at www.dep.state.fl.us/GreenLodging.

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