HYATT REGENCY JACKSONVILLE RIVERFRONT RECEIVES FLORIDA GREEN LODGING DESIGNATION

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront was officially recognized November 9, 2007 for its acceptance into the Florida Green Lodging Program. A ceremony celebrating the achievement was held at 11 a.m. at the hotel, with members of the media, community leaders and hotel personnel on hand. Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront is the third hotel in Duval County and the 53rd for the state to receive the designation. The Florida Green Lodging Program is a voluntary state initiative that provides the lodging industry with technical assistance and encourages hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

To be designated a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must follow certain green practices. These practices include, but are not limited to, water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures and a linen reuse program and increased energy efficiency through the installation of ENERGY STAR® appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria is met by providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, purchasing recycled materials and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All designated members of the Florida Green Lodging Program must also use green cleaners and use high efficiency air filters and clean air handler units frequently.

"Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront is proud to join in the local effort towards protecting the abundant natural resources that surround Jacksonville, and with that, adding to the nationwide movement concerning the preservation of the environment," said hotel General Manager Dan King.

On July 13, at his Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, Governor Crist signed three executive orders initiating state energy-use policies, including one that requires state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences only at hotels with the Florida Green Lodging Program designation starting January 1, 2008, whenever possible. The Summit was a bold first step to explore groundbreaking technologies and strategies that will place our state at the forefront of the growing worldwide movement to reduce greenhouse gases.

Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. As reward for designation, Florida is recommending designated members of the Florida Green Lodging Program to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities. With the addition of the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, the program has designated 53 hotels and has more than 170 applicants.

For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.


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Global Hyatt Corporation, one of the world’s premier hotel companies, offers today’s travelers over 735 hotels and resorts (over 136,000 rooms) in more than 44 countries. The company’s affiliates own, operate, manage and franchise Hyatt branded hotels and resorts under the Park Hyatt™, Grand Hyatt™, Hyatt Regency™, Hyatt Resorts™, Hyatt™, Hyatt Place™ and Hyatt Summerfield Suites ® brands. In April 2007, Hyatt launched its newest global brand, Andaz™. Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc. operator of the Hyatt Vacation Club and fractional residential properties and U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc, which franchises Hawthorn Suites and Microtel Inns and Suites. From the U.S. and Canada, reservations for any Hyatt hotel worldwide may be obtained by calling 1-800-233-1234 or logging onto www.hyatt.com.