Green Lodging
What is Green Lodging?
In 2004, The Florida Department of Environmental Protection created a program that recognizes environmentally conscious lodging facilities which commit to conserving and protecting Florida’s natural resources.
The Green Lodging program covers an all-inclusive list of environmental initiatives which reduce waste, conserve energy and water and minimize pollution all while increasing sustainability.
The Hilton Naples became a Florida Green Lodging Resort in November of 2007. After successfully implementing their initial green initiatives and sustaining them for more than one year, they became “Two Palm” certified in May 2009. In order to remain a green lodging certified property, new and innovative plans must be put into place each year to further conservation efforts.
See some of the current initiatives that the Hilton Naples currently participates in.
Water Conservation Programs
Sheets and towel reuse option for multiple night stays.
Water conserving devices are utilized such as low flow faucet aerators, low flow showerheads, low volume toilets and motion sensor public toilets.
Water conserving devices are installed when replacing old fixtures. Xeric or low water consumption landscaping is currently installed.
Energy Efficiency Program
Energy efficient lighting has been installed in guestrooms, lobby, hallways, public restrooms, meeting rooms and parking areas.
Energy efficient lighting is installed when replacing old lighting.
Intermittent-use area sensors are utilized in public restrooms and storage areas.
Waste Reduction
Recycling containers are located in all guest rooms, staff areas, offices, lobby area, conference rooms, pool, near vending machines, and the kitchen.
Reusable food & beverage services are used in lieu of disposable service items.
Recycled paper products such as bath tissue, facial tissue, paper towels and napkins are utilized.
Rechargeable batteries are being utilized instead of disposable batteries.
The Hilton recycles aluminum, plastic, glass, cardboard, newspaper, office paper, toner cartridges, electronics, fluorescent lamps and carpet.
Keeping it Clean
Environmentally friendly chemicals are used in cleaning.
Environmentally friendly detergents are used for laundry.
Environmentally friendly chemicals are used for all carpet cleaning throughout the property.
Low VOC materials (paint, adhesives, air freshener, and carpet) are used on the property.
Clean Air Practices
The property is 100% smoke-free indoors.
Chiller settings have been adjusted to reduce relative humidity to prevent mold and mildew.
Carbon Monoxide testing is completed on a regular basis.
Windows have properly installed weather stripping.
All use of oil based paint has been discontinued.
New Initiatives
The Hilton Naples has begun the implementation of a Confederate Jasmine vine garden on the section of the hotel's roof over the ballroom area. Confederate Jasmine is indigenous to the Naples area, and the hotel has covered this area in order to eliminate direct exposure to the sun, thereby decreasing the amount of energy necessary to cool the ballroom. The garden will be watered with reclaimed condensation from the powerful chiller units that cool the property's interior, and the vines will be coaxed to grow along a wire grid. Once there is adequate coverage on the roof, the vines will be extended to cover the chiller units in order to decrease the amount of energy the units use to run efficiently.
The Engineering Department team members are training to learn how to maximize the efficiency of the HVAC chiller system. This is the largest energy consumer on the property and further data analysis will provide knowledge to increase energy efficiency.
A water recycling unit will be installed for washing machines by the end of 2010.
A composting program will be implemented by the end of 2010.
For ideas on how to incorporate environmental friendly into your travel plans, check out our
Green Travel Tips.
