In keeping with its commitment to eco-friendly sustainability and conservation, Turtle Bay Resort is installing a 400 kWh solar rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system, the latest initiative by the resort to reduce its energy consumption and dependency on fossil fuels.

In combination with several other energy saving initiatives that Turtle Bay is implementing this year and next, the resort plans to reduce its overall power demand by up to 50%.

Scott McCormack, Vice President of Real Estate for Replay Resorts and Turtle Bay Resort, said, "These conservation projects are helping us to be more "green" with our operations, as we fulfill our vision for a more sustainable future of Turtle Bay Resort and contribute to the State's goal of reaching 70% energy independence by 2030."

The solar PV system atop the 450-room Turtle Bay hotel is the first rooftop installation on a major resort property on O'ahu.

It is being installed in partnership with True Generation, who originated the project opportunity and is overseeing the array's development, and with Sol Systems, who financed the deal with its investor client, Washington Gas Energy Systems, a subsidiary of WGL Holdings. REC Solar is providing the panels and installing the system, which is scheduled for completion in December.

With Turtle Bay's PV system fully operational, this energy savings will result in a reduction in fossil fuel usage equal to eliminating 4.3 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over the next 10 years, or the equivalent of planting 350 acres of forest. It will save 1,000 barrels of oil annually, otherwise needed for electricity production.

Turtle Bay's energy conservation program leads all other O'ahu hotels and resorts and is among the most extensive in the state. It includes a recently completed retrofit of its lighting throughout the entire campus, which has reduced power usage for lighting by 30% annually.

The lighting retrofit, installed by Hawai'i-based Energy Industries, involved installation of new LED and energy efficient lighting fixtures and lamping throughout the resort.

In addition, Turtle Bay has installed new powering equipment and gauges that will better manage and balance out the distribution of energy system-wide and prevent wasteful power surges and usage spikes from occurring.

Also established was Malama Hui, a group of Turtle Bay employees dedicated to promoting sustainability on property and reducing energy consumption by the resort's workforce.

Turtle Bay's commitment to being energy efficient and sustainable is consistent with a resort experience that thrives on its interaction with the surrounding natural beauty of O'ahu's fabled North Shore.