The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the Rosen Plaza Hotel, located in Orlando, to the Florida Green lodging program. The ROSEN PLAZA is the 58th in the state to be designated in the Florida Green lodging Program, a voluntary state initiative that provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving "green" practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

"Rosen Hotels continue their commitment to the environment with the dedication of their third hotel, the Rosen Plaza," said DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. "As environmental stewards, Rosen Hotels are serving as industry leaders and examples to other hotels in Central Florida."

To be designated a Florida Green Lodge, hotels must follow certain green practices. These practices include, but are not limited to, water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures and a linen reuse program, and energy efficiency achieved by installing ENERGY STAR® appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are met by providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, purchasing recycled materials and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All Green Lodges must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air filters, and clean air handler units frequently.

"It is unconscionable to think about the amount of water, energy and other resources we would have wasted at our hotels were it not for the eco-friendly policies we implemented years ago, even before the Green Lodging program was established," said Harris Rosen, President/COO, Rosen Hotels & Resorts. "By doing all we can to conserve water, energy and other valuable resources, we not only make Orlando a better place to work but a better place to live as well."

On July 13, at his Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, Governor Crist signed three executive orders initiating state energy-use policies, including one that requires state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences only at hotels with Green Lodging designation starting January 1, 2008. The Summit was a bold first step to explore groundbreaking technologies and strategies that will place our state at the forefront of the growing world-wide movement to reduce greenhouse gases.

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, Florida is recommending Green Lodges to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities. With the addition of the Rosen Plaza Hotel, the program has designated 58 hotels and has more than 100 applicants.

The 800-room Rosen Plaza provides its guests with resort-style luxury in a world-class vacation destination. The hotel is conveniently located on International Drive across the street from Pointe Orlando's incredible dining and entertainment complex. Other entertainment options include a 20-screen IMAX® stadium-seating theatre and popular retailers such as the Discovery Store, Brighton Collectibles and Artsy Abode.

Four on-site restaurants include Jack's Place, voted the number one restaurant on International Drive by Orlando Magazine, with casual fine dining. Café Matisse offers buffets as well as full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Rossini's Pizza serves fresh pizza and Italian specialties to go. The Lite Bite is open 24 hours a day and serves deli sandwiches and snacks.

Guests are invited to enjoy a variety of amenities such as the outdoor heated pool and whirlpool and the Fitness center with "Life Fitness" cardiovascular and exercise machines and a full-range of free weights. A live band playing favorites from the 80's and 90's and today can be enjoyed nightly at Backstage, International Drive's original nightclub. The Shingle Creek Golf Club, recently named a "Top 40 New Course" by Golfweek magazine, is just minutes away and offers complimentary transportation and preferred tee times for hotel guests. Guests at the Rosen Plaza can also enjoy The Spa at Shingle Creek for a wide variety of treatments including massage, relaxing facials and salon services. Rosen Plaza is only 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport.