ORLANDO
The Central Florida chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council has introduced a new environmentally friendly designation that aims to get Orlando's entire tourism industry on board.
Through Green Destination Orlando, organizers hope to create "a completely sustainable loop" for visitors, something they say will be a selling point for meeting planners. Unlike Florida's Green Lodging Program, which is limited to hotels, the Green Destination Orlando designation can be earned by any hospitality business, including restaurants, shopping venues and theme parks. The multiyear program is based on a 100-point rating system that requires year-over-year improvement.
Pilot participants, including Hilton Orlando, Peabody Orlando, Universal Orlando, Pointe Orlando, Rosen Shingle Creek and the Orange County Convention Center, tested the program over the past year.
