In an effort to offset energy consumption and further its commitment to sustainability, the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown has installed 275 solar panels on its rooftop.
The latest initiative is part of a company-wide initiative designed to reduce the impact of hotel operations on the environment. The solar panels—installed by ROI Construction—are expected to produce 130,000 kilowatt hours for the first year and offset electricity by at least 2% with an output of 420 watts per panel.
“Adding solar panels to our rooftop significantly increases our commitment to energy conservation and the reduction of carbon emissions contributes to a cleaner environment,” stated Mark Huntley regional vice president and general manager of the hotel, which has received 5 Green Key awards from Green Key global.
The hotel’s Sustainability Committee has developed a number of programs incorporating the environmental mantra ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ into the hotel’s daily operating practices. These programs include four rooftop honeybee hives producing 150 pounds of honey annually; elimination of all single use plastic; and an Orbisk Food waste program. Other initiatives include a composting program, refillable water stations on all guestroom floors and public areas, as well as electric vehicle charging stations.