PALM SPRINGS, Calif.—Clean energy provider Pear Energy and Two Bunch Palms Spa Resort, located outside of Palm Springs, have partnered to create the first carbon-neutral wellness resort in North America. Under the agreement, Pear will finance and construct a 550-kW solar photovoltaic (PV) installation for the resort. Upon completion, the installation will provide enough renewable energy to offset 100 percent of Two Bunch Palms’ electric power consumption.
“Having the first carbon neutral resort in the United States will be a perfect complement to our city’s world-famous natural, healing hot spring waters,” said City of Desert Hot Springs Mayor Adam Sanchez Sr.
“With Pear Energy’s support, Two Bunch Palms is expanding the definition of wellness for our industry beyond the mind, body, and spirit connection to include a broader sustainable philosophy that recognizes the interplay between personal wellbeing and planetary health,” said Kevin M. Kelly, CEO of Two Bunch Palms. “In practical terms, this sustainable approach is good for business: our power purchase agreement with Pear will reduce our energy costs. This allows us to put those operational savings into future wellness programming to enhance our guest experience.”
Two Bunch Palms’ sustainability endeavors also include initiatives dedicated to recycling, water reuse, new energy efficiency hot water heaters, windows, and doors, and the use of nontoxic water-based cleaning products and natural materials.
“Running a world-class resort and spa requires a lot of energy, and a serious commitment to sustainability is no easy feat,” said Robert Pollin, president of Pear Energy. “By tackling the financial roadblocks of adopting renewable energy, Pear can do its part to expand access to renewable energy for environmentally-minded organizations. We commend the team at Two Bunch Palms for its commitment to both personal and planetary health.”
Construction for the ground-mounted system is scheduled to occur simultaneously with Two Bunch Palms’ room renovation in summer and fall 2014. Pear Energy provided financing for the project through a 21-year power purchase agreement (PPA), with Lighthouse Solar managing the installation process.
