WESTMINSTER, COLO.—The Westin Westminster announced that it will capitalize on Colorado’s 300-plus days of annual sunshine with the installation of a state-of-the-art solar panel system to help provide power to the 369-room hotel. The solar panels, which are scheduled to be installed next month on the roof of the hotel, will produce 42,576 kilowatt-hours per year—the equivalent to planting more than 192 trees annually. The Westin Westminster has applied to receive a grant from the federal government and a solar rebate from Xcel Energy, making it the first hotel in Colorado to take advantage of these programs.
The 32-kilowatt solar system features 139 panels that are being installed by Integral Energy Systems of Golden. The solar system is projected to save the hotel more than $75,000 in averted energy costs over the next 20 years. Other long-term environmental benefits of The Westin Westminster’s solar system include:
• More than 5 percent of the hotel’s 369 guestrooms will now be powered by solar;
• More than 1.91 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and 1,291 pounds of nitrogen oxide emissions will be avoided over the next 30 years;
• Preventing 639 tons of coal from being burned over the next 30 years; and
• The equivalent of planting 192 trees annually.
In addition to the solar investment, the AAA Four Diamond Westin Westminster recently completed a $9 million renovation, with upgrades including a refreshed contemporary Colorado décor and the installation of wireless high speed Internet throughout the hotel.
Located halfway between Denver and Boulder and managed by Denver-based Sage Hospitality, the 369-room hotel features more than 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space that can accommodate up to 1,200 people. Amenities at The Westin Westminster include an indoor heated lap pool, an outdoor spa, a fully equipped fitness center and O’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant.
For more information, visit www.westindenverboulder.com.
