Five Amelia Island Properties Earn Audubon’s Green Lodging Certification

Amelia Island Convention & Vistors Bureau
Press Release
April 26, 2022

“The Addison on Amelia Island; Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island and Springhill Suites Amelia Island (dual property); Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island-Historic Harbor Front; Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island; and Seaside Amelia Inn – all meet environmental best practice standards and demonstrate a strong commitment to water conservation, energy efficiency, recycling, and other green practices.”

he Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has announced that five of Amelia Island’s award-winning hotels recently earned the Audubon International Green Lodging Program certification. The recognition verifies that the properties – The Addison on Amelia Island; Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island and Springhill Suites Amelia Island (dual property); Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island-Historic Harbor Front; Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island; and Seaside Amelia Inn – all meet environmental best practice standards and demonstrate a strong commitment to water conservation, energy efficiency, recycling, and other green practices. The announcement was made Saturday, April 23, during a volunteer appreciation event following the inaugural Downtown to Dunes, a community litter collection effort in partnership with Keep Nassau Beautiful, Fernandina Beach Main Street, Mocama Beer Company, and the CVB. The event brought together 112 volunteers to collect nearly a half ton (995 pounds) of litter and debris in Fernandina Beach, from downtown to the dunes.

“Amelia Island is committed to protecting and preserving the island’s natural treasures and maintaining this eco-tourism paradise for generations of visitors to discover,” said Gil Langley, president and CEO of the Amelia Island CVB. “Part of that effort included funding and facilitating lodging partners to participate in Audubon International’s Green Lodging Program. We applaud these five ‘green’ properties and their shared commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability on Amelia Island.”

According to Audubon International, the Green Lodging Program provides third-party verification that lodging facilities meet environmental best practice standards and demonstrate a strong commitment to water quality, water conservation, waste minimization, resource conservation, and energy efficiency.

“The Amelia Island CVB is to be commended for supporting these hospitality stakeholders as they work to create environmentally sustainable environments where people live, work and play,” said Fredrik M. Realbuto, chief operating officer, Audubon International. “This is crucial leadership and we’re encouraged to think that many more lodging venues will join the Green Lodging Program.”

Through a comprehensive and credible method for assessing the extent of the environmental measures undertaken, participating facilities can reduce environment-related costs and gain a marketing advantage. There are five stages involved as well as an annual program membership fee based on each property’s number of rooms. More information about the Green Lodging Program can be found online at AudubonInternational.org/Green-Lodging-Program.

Situated between Georgia’s Golden Isles and historic St. Augustine, Florida, Amelia Island’s unique location makes it an ideal destination to escape the rush and pandemonium of everyday life to relax and enjoy unspoiled, natural beauty at its best. Couple that with the ability to stay at one of the five new “Green Hotels,” and a visit to Amelia Island will seem more memorable – and less of an impact – than ever before. To start planning your visit, book a Green Lodging Property now at AmeliaIsland.com.

About Amelia Island

Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway; come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information and online planning, visit AmeliaIsland.com.

About Audubon International

An environmentally focused non-profit organization, Audubon International offers members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play. Its certifications are designed to increase environmental awareness, encourage sustainable environmental efforts, and educate both its members and their communities.