DEP Florida Green Lodging Program and Audubon International Launch Partnership

MARCO ISLAND – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging Program today re-designated Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in partnership with Audubon International’s Green Lodging Program, in Marco Island.

During the ceremony, Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa was presented with a designation certificate along with a Green Lodging flag. Speakers for the ceremony included the Department’s South District Director Jon Iglehart, the Department’s Sustainable Initiatives Director Brad Stombock, Audubon International Executive Director Ryan Aylesworth and David Robinson, Senior Director of Golf, Grounds, & Operations for Marriott Golf.

“Through this partnership with Audubon International, the Florida Green Lodging Program will be able to better recognize members of Florida’s lodging sector for their proven dedication in protecting Florida’s environment and natural resources,” said Sustainable Initiatives Director Brad Stombock. “Further, the partnership will allow us to provide a greater level of technical assistance opportunities across the state, focusing on conserving our valuable natural resources and assisting in the development of operational efficiencies.”

The Florida Green Lodging Program is similar to Audubon International’s Green Lodging Program, recognizing lodging facilities that have met environmental best practice standards and have demonstrated a strong commitment to water quality, water conservation, waste minimization, resource conservation and energy efficiency. 

“This new partnership builds on an already long and impressive history of strong cooperation between Audubon International and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection,” said Audubon International Executive Director Ryan Aylesworth. “By launching this joint venture in the State of Florida, both organizations are demonstrating their steadfast commitment to collaborative natural resource management and a public-private partnership that will advance environmental quality where people live, work and play.”

Adding to the Department’s Green Lodging Program, Audubon International conducts a comprehensive site visit, along with providing lodging facilities personalized staff support, access to an extensive repository of peer-reviewed resources and best management practices that enable more effective environmental education. 

The Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa’s sustainable initiatives include recycling efforts, water conserving toilets and shower heads in all guest rooms, motion sensor and timed light switches in all offices and storage rooms and more.  

“As a longtime leader in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, we believe that promoting property-wide sustainability and wildlife enhancement at Marco Island Marriott represents the best of environmental stewardship,” said David Robinson, Senior Director – Golf Grounds, Marriott International/The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., LLC. 

Florida’s Green Lodging Program encompasses everything from four-room bed and breakfast facilities to properties that have more than 5,000-room facilities; whereas, participating lodging facilities within Audubon International’s Green Lodging Program range from three-room bed and breakfast facilities to 1,500-room destination resorts. Of Audubon International’s approximately 2,300 members, there are 67 lodging facilities also participating in Florida’s Green Lodging Program.

DEP Florida Green Lodging Program 

The Florida Green Lodging Program is a voluntary initiative of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that designates and recognizes lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. The program’s environmental guidelines allow the hospitality industry to evaluate its operations, set goals and take specific actions to continuously improve environmental performance. Learn more about Florida Green Lodging Program.

Audubon International

Audubon International is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to delivering high-quality environmental education and helping to implement sustainable natural resource management in all places where people help the environment where they live, work, and play. Through education, motivation, certification, and recognition, Audubon International educates people about the responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources. Utilizing a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs, Audubon International is able to positively impact the environment at all levels from individual property to entire communities.