Luxury Collection Hotel Partners NRG Renew to Make Most of Solar Power

Starwood, in partnership NRG Renew, has unveiled its first project to integrate clean sustainable energy at The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection resort in Scottsdale, USA.

Featuring approximately 2,000 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, the 568 kilowatt (kWdc) solar installation will offset a portion of The Phoenician resort’s energy demand – an amount equivalent to the energy needs of approximately 90 homes.

Core to the project was the design-driven approach – from panel placements, which work with the terrain to create airflow, to the structure’s accent colors that blend into the natural surroundings. In addition to its sustainability benefits, the panels also provide shading and outdoor event space, a coveted amenity during the hot desert summer months.

“At Starwood, sustainability is second nature, and our work with NRG Renew at The Phoenician exemplifies our commitment to that idea while also going the extra step to create a better world to experience,” said Ken Siegel, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel for Starwood and head of Global Citizenship. “In this project, we’ve integrated solar panels into the existing landscape in a subtle way so The Phoenician continues to complement its environment, maintaining its iconic views of Camelback Mountain while reducing its carbon footprint and helping us achieve our sustainability goals. We’ve set aggressive goals to reduce our energy consumption and carbon emissions by 30% and our water consumption by 20% by 2020, and this is one step in achieving those goals without sacrificing luxury.”

This project is the first of several between NRG and Starwood. The partnership will also incorporate solar installations at The Westin St. John Resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands and The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali.

Together, all three installations are expected to provide more than 2 megawatts (MWdc) of solar power. Both island installations are especially significant in their respective locations, as they will provide clean, efficient power that helps protect the pristine locations where our properties are located.