LAHAINA, HAWAII—After becoming Hawaii’s first LEED EBOM Silver resort in 2014 following significant sustainability upgrades, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa has installed one of the largest rooftop photovoltaic systems in Hawaii. This system of solar panels produces more than 6 percent of the resort’s annual electricity needs, which is equal to supplying grid electricity to 158 homes. Additionally, by lessening their reliance on grid electricity, they are reducing their overall carbon footprint. The use of solar power reduces CO2 emissions by offsetting diesel generation, one of the dirtiest methods of electricity. The amount of CO2 emissions that has been reduced is the equivalent of removing 111 passenger cars driven in one year. The solar panel installation plan took approximately three years and the actual installation lasted about six months.
“About a year ago at this same spot, we celebrated our LEED EBOM certification, and now we have the privilege to announce another sustainability advancement—our newly installed photovoltaic system,” said Allan Farwell, General Manager at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. “The system of solar panels has already exceeded our forecasted 6 percent in energy reduction.”
Hyatt Regency Maui’s sustainability initiatives are led by Gary Bulson, Senior Engineer and the resort’s own Green Team, a group of resort employees involved in sustainability initiatives. This photovoltaic system installation project was in partnership with Hyatt Hotels Corp., Host Hotels and Resorts, Maui Electric Co., Resort Energy Ventures as the designer and project manager, and HNU Energy as the contractor.
Sustainability Tour Planned
“Our efforts here at the Hyatt Regency Maui have created greater awareness of environmental sustainability among the community and our resort guests,” said Gary Bulson, Senior Engineer at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. “We are currently in the process of introducing a sustainability tour around our property that will increase awareness of the different areas where we are making environmental advancements, including: water efficiency, ocean and reef protection, minimizing food waste, recycling, solar energy, air quality and green cleaning.”
“Working with Host Hotels & Resorts on the Hyatt Regency Maui solar project has been very rewarding, because Host is a client who understands that meeting sustainability objectives and achieving high rates of return on invested capital are often synergistic goals,” said Jeff Bedard, Managing Partner of Resort Energy Partners, as he presented Hyatt Regency Maui with an honorary sustainability plaque at the dedication event held at Hyatt Regency Maui on February 23.
Hyatt Regency Maui embraces Hyatt Thrive, a long-term strategic approach to environmental sustainability built on three focus areas: Use Resources Thoughtfully, Build Smart, and Innovate and Inspire. For more information about Hyatt Thrive, visit www.thrive.hyatt.com/en/thrive/our-planet/overview.html.
For more information on Hyatt Regency Maui’s sustainability efforts, visit www.maui.hyatt.com/en/hotel/news-and-events/news-listing/LeadershipinSustainability.html.
