Two Bunch Palms to become first carbon-neutral resort in North America
by Helen Andrews | 23 May 2014
The power purchase agreement with Pear will reduce Two Bunch Palms' energy costs / Two Bunch Palms
The Two Bunch Palms Spa Resort in California, US will become the first carbon-neutral resort in North America after partnering with the nation’s clean energy provider, Pear Energy.
Pear will finance and construct a 550-kW solar photovoltaic (solar panel) installation for the hot spring resort which, when complete, will offset 100 per cent of Two Bunch Palms’ electric power consumption.
“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 recognises the interplay between personal wellbeing and planetary health,” said Kevin M Kelly, CEO of Two Bunch Palms.
Pear Energy provided financing for the project through a 21-year power purchase agreement with the resort which is currently undergoing renovations.
The installation of the ground-mounted system is scheduled to occur simultaneously with Two Bunch Palms’ room revamp in Q3 and Q4 of this year.
The 52-bungalow mineral springs facility, famed for its 600-year-old natural thermal waters will begin the second phase of its upgrades in June – converting the existing bedrooms into 70 rooms, while a villa will be expanded to house a small conference room.
The third phase, starting in 2015, will include the construction of a stand-alone spa with 25 treatment rooms, its own café, a fitness centre and a second hot springs grotto and pool.
The first phase of the US$24m (£14.3m, €17.4m) renovation, completed in 2013, saw improvements to infrastructure, a remodelled 3,000sq ft (280sq m) yoga dome, a new healthy gourmet restaurant and the launch of a marketing campaign.
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The Two Bunch Palms Spa Resort in California, US will become the first carbon-neutral resort in North America after partnering with the nation’s clean energy provider, Pear Energy. Pear will finance and construct a 550-kW solar photovoltaic (solar panel) installation for the hot spring resort which, when complete, will offset 100 per cent of Two Bunch Palms’ electric power consumption. “With Pear Energy’s support, Two Bunch Palms is expanding the
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