In 2004, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Green Lodging Program issued a research grant to FAU Lab.EES to investigate water conservation, energy efficiency, waste minimization, and clean air practices in hotels in Florida.

This research will address a major technological need for sustainable, economical options for hotels to increase their revenues and generate increased savings in utility costs from adopting best management practices in waste minimization, energy efficiency, water conservation and clean air practices.

The objectives of the research are to:

• Phase 1: To identify best practices for the hotel lodging industry in water conservation and waste minimization

• Phase 2: To identify best strategies for the hotel lodging industry in energy efficiency and clean air practices

• Phase 3: To document the results from planning pilot projects focusing on sustainable solutions for waste minimization, energy efficiency, water conservation and clean air practices.

• Phase 4: To document the results from implementing pilot projects focusing on sustainable solutions for waste minimization, energy efficiency, water conservation and clean air practices prior to the one palm designation.

• Phase 5: To document the results from implementing pilot projects focusing on sustainable solutions for waste minimization, energy efficiency, water conservation and clean air practices prior to the two palm designation.

"Broward County Water Use Profile"

Broward County Water and Wastewater Services contracted with Lab.EES to conduct a study to determine the water use profile of its water customers. The program concentrated on establishing base line water use profile data to make recommendations for future activities.

A water use profile provides data that defines who the customers are and how they are using their water. The profile consists of demographic, operational, and fiscal information that define customer patterns within each service area. The purpose of developing the profile is to have sufficient data to recommend targeted conservation programs.

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NEWS

• Dr. Meeroff was the keynote speaker at the Florida Green Lodging Conference. To view his presentation, click here.

The Florida Green Lodging Conference Being Green, Saving Green & Making Green Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville FL Nov. 10-12, 2008