The Residence Inn by Marriott Gainesville I-75 has set a new standard in Florida's hospitality industry by becoming the first Marriott branded hotel and the first in the state to receive the EcoRooms & EcoSuites Certification. This prestigious recognition is endorsed by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) and the American Automobile Association (AAA) as a benchmark for hotels that prioritize environmental stewardship. Additionally, the hotel has earned the Florida Green Lodging certification, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable practices.
The Residence Inn by Marriott Gainesville I-75, a 118-suite hotel situated just three miles from the University of Florida, stands as a testament to environmental restoration and sustainable construction. The hotel, which opened a little over a year ago, is built on a rehabilitated EPA "brownfield" site, transforming a once-contaminated area into a pristine location that meets the rigorous standards of EcoRooms & EcoSuites certification.
The hotel's design incorporates numerous eco-friendly features:
In addition to its green design, the hotel has implemented various sustainable operating procedures:
The hotel also utilizes the Energy Star Portfolio Manager to benchmark its performance against industry leaders, with assistance from EcoGreenHotel. This tool is crucial for monitoring utility usage and measuring the effectiveness of energy conservation strategies.
The Residence Inn's sustainability initiative extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass social responsibility. General Manager Chris Lewis highlights the team's dedication to causes such as Habitat for Humanity and Children's Miracle Network (CMN). The hotel has raised significant funds for CMN, including $7,000 during their grand opening and $5,861 on their anniversary celebration, contributing over $16,000 in various ways throughout the past year.
Lewis notes that the hotel's green initiatives, implemented over the past two years, have garnered positive feedback from staff and guests, as well as financial benefits. The hotel views its commitment to sustainability as a winning business strategy that aligns with societal and planetary well-being.
EcoGreenHotel LLC is a company dedicated to assisting the lodging industry with sustainability. They offer resources, tools, and consulting services in areas such as energy efficiency and certifications, including LEED, Green Seal, and Energy Star. The company also operates an online marketplace for green products and services at EcoGreenHotelStore.com. For more information, visit EcoGreenHotel.com or contact them at info@EcoGreenHotel.com.
If you find yourself in Gainesville, the Residence Inn invites you to witness their green initiatives firsthand.
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