Bohemian Hotel Celebration to Purchase Carbon Offsets for Guests on Earth Day

Celebration, Fla. – March 25, 2009 – The AAA Four-Diamond Bohemian Hotel Celebration, a Kessler Collection luxury boutique hotel, today announces plans to engage guests in recognition of Earth Day 2009, as an extension of the property’s “Green Hotel” initiative.

On Saturday, April 22, 2009, the Bohemian Hotel Celebration will celebrate Earth Day by recognizing the efforts of hotel guests as well as implementing the following measures in support of conservation and to increase environmental awareness:

• Purchase voluntary carbon offsets for each occupied guestroom on Earth Day, to be used towards renewable sources of energy and reducing greenhouse gasses
• Provide complimentary Valet Parking for guests with Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs), hybrid electric vehicles, or any vehicle designated as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV)
• Powering down non-required exterior lighting and signage, including the hotel’s signature logo signage, to reduce energy consumption
• Distributing Earth Day literature to guests and encouraging guests to reduce non-essential guestroom lighting
• Hosting a gathering in the hotel lobby featuring live entertainment to provide an alternative to in-room electronics
• Serving “Green” cocktails in the Lobby Bar to increase Earth Day awareness, including “Green” Gin & Tonic, Mojitos, Green Apple Martinis, and Green Champagne

Grant Bannen, Bohemian Hotel Celebration General Manger says, “We are proud to lead our industry in promoting awareness for Earth Day 2009. Our Earth Day plans are in keeping with the Celebration Hotel’s sustainable effort to conserve and protect Florida’s resources.” 

Beyond the one day activities for Earth Day 2009, the Bohemian Hotel Celebration has continued its emphasis on a sustainable effort to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources.  

In March 2009, the Bohemian Hotel Celebration submitted its request for designation as a Florida Green Lodging Certified Hotel. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must implement a variety of green practices. The Bohemian Hotel Celebration has already exceeded the state’s base requirements by instituting a variety of initiatives, including, but not limited to: 

• Water Conservation

• Towel and Linen Reuse Program in guest rooms
• Low-flow faucets, shower heads, and toilets installed in guest rooms
• Automatic faucets and toilets in the public areas restrooms

• Energy Efficiency

• Use of Energy Star rated equipment throughout the hotel
• Programmable thermostats for public areas and meeting space
• Sensor-activated lighting installed indoors & outdoors
• Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) in 100% of guest rooms
• Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) used in lobby, meeting space, and public areas
• Computerized Energy Management System installed

• Waste Reduction

• Guest and hotel recycling programs for office paper, newspaper, magazines, aluminum cans, steel cans and corrugated cardboard
• Purchasing office-supplies that meet a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content
• Implemented source reduction via bulk purchasing & centralized distribution
• Reduction of office paper use by converting collateral, proposals, and menus to e-documents

• Clean Air Practices

• Using environmentally preferred cleaning products throughout the hotel
• Automatic Installation of MERV 8 filters for cleaner air
• Extensive preventative maintenance program for central air units
  
  

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, the state is recommending designated properties in the Florida Green Lodging Program to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities. For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.

About the Bohemian Hotel Celebration
Located in the timeless community of Celebration, FL, the elegant, lakeside AAA Four-Diamond Bohemian Hotel Celebration is reminiscent of a 1900’s Florida seaside inn. Orlando's only four-diamond boutique hotel, it features 115 luxurious rooms, including six suites, with luxury linens and feather pillows inviting guests to relax, refresh, and renew.  Located within downtown’s marketplace, the hotel offers walking distance access to boutique shops, restaurants, and entertainment, as well as outdoor activities. The Celebration Hotel also features the Grand Bohemian Art Gallery, 24-hour fitness center, spa services, full-time concierge, valet parking, and complimentary scheduled transportation to Walt Disney World, as well as access to the nearby four-and-a-half star Celebration Golf Club.

For reservations and further information, please call 407-566-6000 or visit www.celebrationhotel.com.

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Editor's Note: Photos Available Upon Request