Renaissance Resort Earns DEP “Green” Certification

By MAC MITCHELL

The Renaissance Resort at The World Golf Village is going “green”, and it’s not because of a new paint job. For the past eight months it has undergone renovations, many of which are centered around establishing a more environmentally friendly presence. As a result, the resort, now an official member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, was recently awarded the One Palm rating from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for its efforts.

Renaissance General Manager Mark Schwantner says the recent changes focus on increased recycling, energy and water conservation and on providing cleaner air for guests and staff.

Schwantner says staff members have been trained to separate aluminum, paper and plastic when cleaning the grounds and guest rooms and that recycling bins have been made available for guest use at all vending machines and concession areas at the resort.

To conserve water and energy use the hotel installed water saving shower heads and toilets in each of its 301 guest rooms, replaced all incandescent lighting with more efficient fluorescent lighting, and installed a more efficient air filtration system.

Guests who stay more than one night have also been provided the option of having cleaning staff make the bed without changing the sheets, helping to cut back on energy and water use.

Schwantner said guests are embracing the changes and are happy to do their part in helping the environment.

The main catalyst for the changes was a decision by the state of Florida to require state government officials to stay only in certified Green Lodging Establishments while traveling for business, beginning in 2009. Out of Florida’s 6000 or so hotels only 115 have managed to complete the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s certification process.

Schwantner said the Renaissance worked for the certification because it wants to help the environment. He commended the state for deciding to promote environmentally friendly lodging and said in the future the resort may apply for a Three Palm rating, the highest possible.

“This [green lodging] isn’t just a trend,” he said. “It’s going to be a way of life … In the future, having a One Palm rating will mean you’re simply with the rest of the pack.”

The Renaissance celebrated its achievement May 1.Going green?Go to mystjohnssun.com and tell the world what you’re doing to protect the environment.

(c) 2008 Florida Times Union. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.