Meet green.

The Greater Fort Lauderdale area's commitment to green meetings offers the perfect opportunity for meeting professionals to incorporate more ecologically friendly practices into their meeting, convention or incentive.  And the CVB makes it easy.

Florida Green Lodging

More than 30 properties throughout the destination have earned Florida Green Lodging certification from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, with others awaiting approval of their applications. This program acknowledges lodging facilities that demonstrate sustainable practices within the industry. Show me Florida Green Lodging properties. 

Plan.It.Green

In addition to the Florida Green Lodging program, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is committed to preserving and protecting its natural eco-systems. From this commitment came Plan.It.Green, a new initiative specifically designed to help offset the carbon footprint from meetings and conventions.

Adopting the adage "regroup, recharge, replant," the GFLCVB has partnered with the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division to replenish native trees and green buffers in a local park on behalf of meeting and convention groups.  Just contact the CVB staff, and they can set up a planting for your meeting or event.  The CVB also works with RetroActif Accessories to recycle street pole banners into stylish tote bags for meeting planners.

Taking the LEED

Recently, area hotels have taken the initiative to meet the high standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Properties that achieve this goal receive LEED certification. 

Broward County's largest property, the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa is on its way to making history with the ambitious goal of obtaining LEED certification for an existing property. The Westin's overall greening even reaches into the food and beverage area, where Westin's banquet and restaurant kitchens have funded area farms to guarantee a fresh supply of locally grown produce.

Not to be left out, the 600,000-square-foot Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center has adopted its own elaborate set of green initiatives, which include programs for energy efficiency, recycling, water conservation and waste reduction. The Center donates leftover banquet food to a local food bank and uses biodegradable cups and cutlery made from corn and potatoes. The waterfront convention center is currently in the process of applying for LEED certification.  Find out more about green initiatives in place at the Convention Center.  

Broward County Goes Green

See how Broward County is reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Click for details, and tips on what you can do to "go green."

Social Responsibility

As with Plan.It.Green, once green practices are incorporated, the next natural step is to build a green or socially responsible activity into your meeting or conference agenda. If you'd like to find just the right organization to support within the local Greater Fort Lauderdale area, get more information here on how to Meet Responsibly and choose from a range of worthwhile activities from saving baby turtles to feeding the hungry.