The Green Lodging Program has been created by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to assist the state's hospitality industry in reducing operating cost. This voluntary program recognizes lodging facilities that meet environmental guidelines to conserve natural resources, reduce energy use, and prevent pollution. Facilities can earn the Green Lodging designation by investing in "green" practices that conserve water, save energy, and reduce waste.

As a reward for the designation, the state of Florida recommends Green Lodgings to consumers, companies, and trade organizations seeking environmentally friendly lodging and convention facilities.

PowerCold's Largo, Fla., subsidiary, PowerCold ComfortAir Solutions (PCS), is working with ECAP to help hotel owners and operators identify and implement energy efficient technologies that meet Green Lodging guidelines. To assist with the certification, ECAP provides free one-on-one consulting to identify suitable energy conservation measures and calculate a cost/benefit analysis for implementing those measures.

PowerCold will work with ECAP to assist owners and operators with implementation of the recommended conservation measures, securing financing to pay for retrofits, and providing advice on maintaining HVAC systems and equipment.

Publication date: 02/21/2005