Five New Properties Join Florida’s Green Lodging Program

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, November 29, 2009 – Five new hotels have been designated in the Florida Green Lodging program, just in time to offer greener accommodations for holiday travelers. With a total of 595 designated properties throughout the state, the program run by Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection offers plenty of options for staying green this holiday season.

“Vacationing away from home doesn’t mean travelers have to give up being environmentally conscientious,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “Staying in a designated Green Lodging facility allows vacationers to conserve water and energy while protecting the state’s natural resources so that Florida remains a beautiful travel destination for future generations.”

To become a designated member of the voluntary program, lodging facilities adopt cost-saving green practices to conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality and reduce waste.

The five new designations are:

• Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, Palm Coast in Northeast Florida
• Holiday Inn Resort, Fort Walton Beach in Northwest Florida
• Best Western, Fort Walton Beach in Northwest Florida
• Hampton Inn Daytona Speedway, Daytona BeachCentral in Central Florida
• An Island Getaway at Palm Tree Villas, Homes Beach in Southwest Florida

Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution.

As reward for designation, the state is recommending designated properties in the Florida Green Lodging program to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities. For more information about the Florida Green Lodging program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.

DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs to help Florida industry and residents in protecting the environment.

The Clean Marina program, the Clean Vessel Act grant program and the Florida Green Lodging program offer a variety of services including consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green.

Cambean Hospitality to Re-Introduce the Clifton South Beach as a Green Hotel

Multi-million dollar renovation expected to transform Miami Beach property into United States’ first LEED-certified historic hotel

MIAMI — DECEMBER 15, 2008 — Cambean Hospitality, a Miami Beach-based hospitality group that owns and manages four boutique hotel properties in the historic South Beach area, today announced the re-launching of the historic Clifton South Beach. The 35-room hotel is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation and is scheduled to open in early 2009. When complete, the hotel will seek to become the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified hotel in Florida and the first LEED-certified historic hotel in the nation. The building has been designed to meet LEED Gold level certification.

Built in 1948, the post-war architecture of the Clifton also incorporates distinct elements of the unique Art Deco style that has defined the popular tourist and nightlife area for over six decades. While the property’s historic façade will remain the same, the interior of the Clifton is being completely transformed with modern and eco-luxury furniture, fixtures and equipment.

“The Clifton will be a virtual showcase of sustainable hospitality features and practices,” stated Brian Scheinblum, president of Cambean Hospitality. “We’re very excited about this property because it demonstrates how we can maintain the luxury our guests expect while incorporating responsible ‘Green’ practices that promote sustainability in the industry. We’re the first to address all the technology and FF&E possibilities available, and we hope that other properties will follow our lead – not only in South Beach or Miami, but worldwide.”

The Clifton’s multi-million dollar renovation includes a series of steps that are specifically designed to achieve LEED Gold certification standards. These include a custom designed air conditioning system; an occupancy-sensing energy management system; LED light bulbs; water conserving dual flush toilets and high efficiency faucets; energy-efficient windows; carpet and fabrics made from recycled products; custom bamboo furniture; the use of linens that require up to 30 percent less water, detergent and energy to launder; and the storage and collection of recyclable products.

“With the Clifton, we had the opportunity to set a precedent in the hospitality industry, and also become familiar with sustainable, eco-friendly systems as we begin the long-term integration of these practices and technologies into all of our properties,” stated Scheinblum. “We’re eager to show the South Beach community – as well as Florida, and the nation — that it’s possible to be successful, responsible and sexy at the same time.”

Cambean Hospitality also owns and manages three other properties in the South Beach/Miami Beach area, including the Majestic Hotel South Beach, the Nash Hotel, and the Carlton Hotel South Beach.

For more information, please contact Brian Scheinblum at (305) 455-2236 or visit www.cambean.com.

Airline Makes Earth Day Announcement of Ongoing Investment in Social and Environmental Programs

NatureAir Supports Youth Enrichment, and Combats Pollution in Costa Rica Through Its Corporate and Social Responsibility Programs While the Aviation Industry Battles with Near Record Losses

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA, April 20, 2009 (WORLD-WIRE) NatureAir announces its continued support to lower carbon emissions and increase environmental and English education opportunities for youth through a significant donation of money, volunteer time, and a deeper contribution to saving the planet. Carbon Neutral Details

Through its corporate and social responsibility programs, NatureAir is working to improve the prospects for young people, encourage and support their achievements in business and leadership, and provide educational opportunities. Statistics show English speakers on average earn 40% higher wages in Costa Rica. Nature Air´s NatureKids foundation helps local communities learn English and environmental education at little or no cost. The company continues to invest approximately $65,000 a year for operating costs, school materials, equipment, and hands on activities. This year NatureKids added a computer curriculum to its studies, as many students would otherwise never have the opportunity to work with a computer.

NatueAir reaffirmed its commitment to reducing company dependence on fuel both in the air and on the ground. NatureAir is the first airline in the world to run its entire ground operations equipment and fleet of diesel vehicles off of bio-diesel. The use of bio-diesel is estimated to reduce 160 tones of CO2 emissions per year. The bio-diesel formula utilizes recycled vegetable and cooking oils. River pollution is a growing problem in Costa Rica. According to the Institute for Aqueducts and Sewer Systems (AyA) the pollution is mostly due to sewage runoff from homes, hotels, and businesses that do not have proper sewage treatment facilities. To help prevent local restaurants and NatureAir employees from flushing cooking oils down sink drains, NatureAir pays program participants to collect all recycled or unused cooking oils.

Furthermore NatureAir reduces CO2 emissions through its fuel-efficient twin-engine planes, reduced taxi waits, and offsetting 100% of carbon emitted from every flight. The airline just embarked on its 5th consecutive year of compensations for its flight emissions, an approximately $90,000 yearly investment. 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions are compensated through preservation and reforestation of tropical forests in Southern Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula.

“Every flight NatureAir takes to the skies guarantees that a forest will be free from clear cutting. We are proud to invest in the communities we operate in which hundreds of travelers visit each day. The destruction of forests affects everyone, the children in our NatureKids schools, the local communities, travelers and most importantly the natural habitat. Times are tough but our planet is precious and we must take small steps to ensure the air we breath and water we drink stays clean and healthy for years to come,” NatureAir Founder and CEO Alex Khajav.

About NatureAir
NatureAir is the world’s first certified carbon neutral airline, and the fastest growing regional airline in Central America. Since its inception in 2000, NatureAir has grown from flying 18,000 passengers annually to more than 140,000 in 2008. NatureAir is the only twin-engine airline in Costa Rica with both scheduled and chartered flights, and offers 74 daily flights to 17 destinations in Costa Rica, and Panama.

NatureAir’s 100% carbon neutrality program ensures that every flights carbon emissions are compensated to guarantee protection and reforestation of the Osa Peninsula in Southern Costa Rica. Its commitment to saving energy extends with the use of bio-diesel (cooking oils) to run its entire fleet of ground equipment and diesel vans. NatureAir is a proud sponsor of the Rainforest Alliance, World Heritage Alliance, Climate Neutral Network and Ecotourism Society. In addition to annual contributions towards the NatureKids foundation. The World Tourism and Trade Council, Rainforest Alliance, Conde Nast Traveler and Virgin Holidays have recognized NatureAir for its sustainability efforts. For more information visit: http://www.natureair.com

CONTACT:
Alexi Huntley
TEL: 506-299-6000
E-MAIL: ahuntley@natureair.com
WEB: http://www.natureair.com/
Click here for Media Kit.

Hotel Indigo to Open in San Diego this Summer

Photo credit: Out Traveler G.P.S. http://tinyurl.com/dmlv6o

InterContinental Hotels Group’s collection of properties sporting the Hotel Indigo label is growing in number and popularity.  The newest addition will open in the trendy Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego this summer.  Affordable chic is at the heart of Indigo’s allure but it is also well known for its substantial environmental achievements.  Green hotel insiders love Indigo’s creative devotion to earth friendly practices that go beyond recycling…way beyond.  Hotel Indigo San Diego is being built to strict LEED standards and certification is expected.  It will also feature a green roof; a living, breathing layer of insulation that will help moderate interior temperatures and absorb rainwater for less wasteful runoff.   Plus, a prime location means visitors can leave the rental car in park and walk to all the best shopping, sightseeing, waterfront venues and nightclubs America’s Finest City has to offer.