InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging Program have joined together in an effort to boost eco-tourism throughout the state. 

The program offers IHG-branded hotels the opportunity to earn a dual designation as an eco-friendly hotel through the IHG Green Engage system and the Department’s Green Lodging Program. Based on a tiered system of ranking, hotels and motels can be rated based on their commitment to conserving natural resources-including efforts in using alternative energy sources, reduced water usage, and recycling.
The program’s four certification levels give owners an advantage and puts IHG in a position to respond to rising energy prices and any future carbon taxes. More than 2,300 hotels are currently enrolled in IHG’s Green Engage system.
The Florida Green Lodging Program includes nearly 700 properties throughout the state. Designated properties receive marketing and technical assistance benefits through the Florida Green Lodging website. Additional business can be generated for state meetings and conferences through HB 7135-which gives preference to designated properties for all state business.
“We believe IHG Green Engage gives us a significant competitive edge,” says Maury Zimring, director of environmental sustainability, IHG Corporate Responsibility. “It makes IHG hotels cost-effective and ultimately allows them to improve the value of service they offer guests, who tell us they would prefer to stay in a green hotel.”
