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Press Release: November, 2008

GREENER IS BETTER AT THE DOUBLETREE PALM BEACH GARDENS

Renovations at the DoubleTree Palm Beach Gardens have been completed now in a big way, or perhaps more appropriately, in a Green way. The last stage of renovations involved the beautification and modernization of the property’s existing 5,000 square feet of meeting space. “But this was far from your typical re-do” said Sig Varela, Hotel Manager.

As part of a long process to achieve Green Certification by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the DoubleTree Palm Beach Gardens hired Stay Green Renovation Management, specialist contractors in construction and renovation that implement only Green practices. This process comes as another step the property has taken towards its goal of becoming LEED™ certified.

Here is a sampling of the sustainable renovation practices that were completed in this renovation:

• Low VOC options such as Sherwin Williams paint and DAP caulk
• Used all local material, suppliers and contractors
• Indoor Air Quality preserved throughout renovation by using a full air wall with zip door
• Also, all waste bins were kept covered during transit and a HEPA filter vacuum was used
• All exit signs are rated Energy Star
• Recessed lighting reused
• Speaker tiles reused
• Dimmable 26 watt compact fluorescent bulbs that reduce the mechanical load by up to 50 percent
• Tiled composite attic stock carpet that allows to change one tile when damaged as opposed to large areas
• Chandeliers, 2x2 ceiling lights, ceiling grid, all vents and wall sconces were recycled as metal scrap. Fixtures were replaced with 3 position setting
• 2x2 fluorescent fixtures for optimal light level options that eliminate wasted energy
• All light bulbs, recessed lights and ballasts recycled through the local PBG Solid Waste Authority
• All cardboard boxes broken down and recycled through hotel’s program
• Foam from the double stick carpet recycled at the Delray Beach Center and the Nylon 66 used for plastic car parts & fences
• All crates used by hotel for scrap wood
• All bottles, cans and containers recycled through the hotel’s blue bins program
  

“This has been a great project to work on. Due to the green practices we utilized, the waste stream was reduced by approximately 60 percent, from five dumpsters to two,” said Jake Harris from Stay Green Renovation Management.

Located in West Palm Beach Gardens, FL approximately 15 minutes away from PB International Airport the DoubleTree sits adjacent to Interstate-95. It also enjoys a convenient location near restaurants, shopping, banks, beaches, golf, mass-transit and other attractions nearby. Shuttle service serves a two-mile radius for guests.

The Palm Beach Gardens DoubleTree Hotel was bought and renovated by Thayer Lodging Group in 2006. The hotel includes 279 guest-rooms, a restaurant, meeting rooms and a new state of the art Executive Meeting Center (EMC) scheduled to open February 2009. Following guidelines established by the International Association of Conference Centers IACC the EMC includes PURE improved air quality in a superior meeting environment that exceeds the universal criteria guidelines established by the International Association of Conference Centers.

For additional information on the DoubleTree Palm Beach Gardens, visit the web site at: http://www.doubletreepalmbeachgardens.com .

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