Embassy Suites - Tampa Brandon Receives Florida Green Lodging Designation
JUNE 19, 2009 - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) welcomes Embassy Suites - Tampa Brandon to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The voluntary state initiative 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.
"It is wonderful to see businesses implement green practices such as water conservation, recycling and energy reduction because they are not only good for business, they are good for Florida's environment," said DEP Sustainable Initiatives Director Deas Bohn.
To become a designated 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, a linen reuse program and energy efficiency achieved by installing ENERGY STAR(R) appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are met by providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, ordering recycled materials and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All designated properties must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air filters.
Embassy Suites - Tampa Brandon has helped the environment by performing actions like recycling paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum and steel cans, installing energy-efficient light bulbs in all hotel fixtures and fitting low-flow showerheads and toilets in their facilities. In addition, they have incorporated a water and energy saving linen program and now make an initiative to use the services of environmentally preferred cleaners.
"We are thrilled at being recognized for our efforts in making our hotel environmentally conscientious," comments Linda Urban, Director of Sales at Embassy Suites Tampa - Brandon. "We wanted to align our visions with our clients' visions, and becoming a green lodging facility allows us to do just that. We have been recycling at home for years, why not at work and during our travel as well," she added. The hotel's General Manager Jeff Antonaccio adds, "I have become more conscientious about the cost savings and the impact that we can all make as individuals since becoming a Green Lodging hotel. It has even flowed into my home life."
When staying at an Embassy Suites hotel, guests can contribute to the environmentally-sustainable initiatives by recycling beverage containers and newspapers when finished with them and by giving feedback. Embassy Suites hotels are asking for guests to express their ideas and appreciation for eco-friendly programs.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
