Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has entered into a strategic partnership with NRG Energy, Inc where the utilization of renewable energy systems at Starwood properties will be further extended as part of the latest multi-year international association.
Initially three properties of Starwood will implement renewable energy systems. A 1.3 megawatt or MW solar array will be installed at the Westin St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the project will be developed, owned and function by NRG.
While the solar arrays will be owned by NRG, Starwood will act as the facilitating associate and will buy electricity from the solar arrays, resulting in decreased electricity expenses for Starwood.
In a statement, Ken Siegel, chief administrative officer and general counsel, Starwood said, “At Starwood, we have established an environmental sustainability goal we call 30/20 by 20 meaning we’re committed to reducing our energy consumption by 30 percent and water consumption by 20 percent by 2020 throughout our global hotel and resort system. We are making great progress against those goals through a variety of programs in place around the world and we’re pleased to partner with NRG to be able to provide affordable and sustainable electricity that will benefit the environment, our guests and our business.”
The hotel will experience fixed and economical viable energy expenses for many years, resulting in decreased carbon footprint and local air emissions. NRG has discussed with Starwood before designing the custom designed solar offerings for visual appeal, thereby improving guest experience.
David Crane, president and CEO, NRG said, “In many parts of the world, including in the United States, solar power, generated locally, is well on its way to becoming the most cost-effective, environmentally beneficial and aesthetically pleasing energy option for any customer-facing business. Starwood, with its 30/20 by 20 initiative and other commitments to sustainability best practices, is an acknowledged leader in this regard in the global tourism and hospitality industry. We look forward to working with Starwood on clean energy and related sustainability initiatives in order to achieve the environmental and economic goals that we share in common.”
Edited by Ashley Caputo