Lakewood Ranch Headquarters is first FGBC Certified Commercial Building

FGBC is excited to announce that the corporate headquarters building for SMR, Inc., the developer of Lakewood Ranch in Manatee and Sarasota Counties is the first commercial building to be certified under the FGBC Green Commercial Building Designation Standard. Lakewood Ranch has been developing their future phases to FGBC's green development standard. All the home builders are building to FGBC's green home standards in the newer sections.

Photo: SMR Lakewood Ranch Headquarters is the first FGBC certified commercial building.

The new two-story building incorporates numerous green strategies to accomplish the following:

1. 100% green power
2. 100% drought tolerant landscaping
3. Uses no potable water for irrigation
4. Reduced the water consumption in the building by more than 30%
5. 100% Low VOC materials and finishes
6. Provides natural daylight to more than 50% of interior spaces
7. More than 75% of the occupants have a view to the outside
8. Built with more than 20% local materials
9. Diverted more than 50% of the construction waste to recyclers
10. Incorporates impact resistant glazing
11. 100% fire-resistant exterior finishes

St. Petersburg is first Certified Green City in Florida

The City of St, Petersburg has achieved a Silver level Green City designation. St. Petersburg is the first city in the state to achieve the designation through the local government designation of FGBC, joining Pinellas County who was the first certified green County. St. Petersburg is the fourth largest city in Florida. The certification effort was spearheaded by Michael Connors of the Internal Services Department and Anne Fidanzato, Environmental Planner.

1) Some stewardship undertaken by the administration includes:
a. Revision of the city's mission statement to include a focus on the environment.
b. Designating the Internal Services Department with responsibilities to maintain and enhance the city's achievement of its new environmental mission
c. Becoming a US EPA Energy Star Ally and joining FGBC, USGBC and Florida Local Environmental Resource Agencies Organization and supporting their activities

2) As a whole, the city tracks various indicators of sustainability in order to embark on plans to enhance sustainability.  These indicators include:
a. Energy use
b. Water use
c. Solid Waste Generation

3) The city had already achieved
a. Florida Main Street Designation
b. Blue Wave Beaches Designation
c. Municipal Marina designated as “Clean Marina” by DEP
d. Tree City USA from National Arbor Day Foundation
e. DEP Water/Wastewater Plant Operations Excellence Award

4) City educates the public through website information including
a. Info about ecotourism and outdoor recreational opportunities
b. Air quality index information
c. Water quality testing results
d. Info about public transportation / alternative commuting

5) City participates in detailed public educational campaigns for
a. Stormwater management
b. Water use reduction

6) City offers various incentives including:
a. Alternative community incentives for employees – bus pass discount
b. Special discounted rates for reducing solid waste generation and water use
c. Rebates for purchase and installation of water conserving fixtures

7) The city accomplishes some environmental objectives through policies including:
a. Tree preservation and land clearing
b. Historic preservation
c. Purchasing efficient electronic equipment and recycling end of life equipment
d. Encouraging mixed use zoning and development
e. Considering pedestrian access and walkability when planning

8) In addition, the city is beginning to focus on use of alternative fueled transportation for city purposes through use of compressed natural gas, bio-diesel, AFV passenger vehicles and use of bicycle police patrol

Royal Concrete spec home is first Florida LEED for Homes pilot project to receive certification

Photo: Eric Martin, FSEC The Grand Emerald by Royal Concrete Builders is the first LEED for Homes certification in Florida.

Steinhatchee River Inn (Steinhatchee), Casa Del Mar (St. Augustine), and TradeWinds Sandpiper (St. Pete) Commit to Florida's Green Lodging Program

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) welcomed three premier lodging establishments to the the Florida Green Lodging program.  The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving ‘green' practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

The Steinhatchee River Inn has implemented a linen and towel reuse program and installed low-flow showerheads and faucets to conserve water.  In addition, the inn conserves energy through energy-efficient light bulbs, sensors and timers for all outdoor lighting.  The facility also conducts preventative maintenance on all air conditioners to improve air quality.  All paper products used are made with 100 percent recycled content, and the inn uses biodegradable paper cups for coffee with corn interiors rather than a petroleum base. “By changing just a few of our work habits here at the inn, we can do our part to conserve water and honor native habitats in Florida ,” said Steinhatchee River Inn owner Loretta Fowler.  “When we tell our guests about the methods we use here, we hope they take a little bit of our 'green ways' home with them and start thinking about making some new habits of their own.”

Photo: Clarion The Casa Del Mar conserves energy and water and reduces waste.

Casa del Mar has implemented a linen and towel reuse program and installed low-flow showerheads and faucets to conserve water.  In addition, the facility conserves energy through programmable thermostats, sensors for lighting and ENERGY STAR® rated equipment.  The facility also utilizes environmentally-preferable cleaners and high efficiency air filters for air conditioning units to improve air quality.  To reduce waste, the hotel uses recycled office paper, toilet tissue and paper towels. “We are proud to be a part of the Green Lodging program and the first hotel with this designation in Northeast Florida ,” said Casa del Mar General Manager John D. Baird.  “Casa del Mar staff and guests are excited to contribute to preserving our natural resources.”

The TradeWinds Sandpiper Hotel and Suites, the company's second Green Lodge , uses ENERGYSTAR® appliances to conserve energy and has implemented a paper, cardboard and aluminum recycling program to reduce waste.  In addition, the property installed high-efficiency air filters to improve indoor air quality and have a towel and linen reuse program to conserve water resources. “We are proud to be a part of the Department's Green Lodging program,” said Tim Bogott, president and CEO of the TradeWinds Island Resorts. “Now we can boast that both of our St. Pete Beach resorts not only provide the best service to its visitors, but that we're doing our part to make sure the environment is secure for the generations that come after them.”

Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Certification Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution.  As reward for designation, Florida is recommending Green Lodges to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities.  With these additions the program has 23 hotels certified, with 20 in the process of becoming certified.

For more information on the Florida Green Lodging Certification Program or to locate a Florida Green Lodge, visit www.floridagreenlodging.org.