Surf & Sand Hotel: Pensacola Beach’s premier solar-powered commercial property

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Innisfree Hotels (innisfreehotels.com) is excited to announce the successful completion of a groundbreaking solar power initiative at its Surf & Sand Hotel in Pensacola Beach. Teaming up with SunFarm Energy, the premier solar experts in Northwest Florida, a cutting-edge 330-panel rooftop solar array has been installed atop the 100-room property. This landmark installation marks the first-ever solar-powered commercial site in Pensacola Beach, resulting in a significant reduction in the hotel’s carbon footprint.

The newly installed rooftop solar array is projected to offset nearly half of the Surf & Sand’s yearly energy consumption, leading to considerable savings on utility expenses. By slashing the hotel’s carbon footprint by 50%, the solar project is making an impactful environmental difference, equivalent to:

• Removing 37 gas-powered vehicles from the road for one year
• Saving 18,740 gallons of gasoline
• Avoiding the burning of 186,551 pounds of coal
• Providing the energy needs of 21 homes for a full year
• Charging 20,258,413 smartphones

The Surf & Sand solar initiative marks a significant stride towards fostering a cleaner energy landscape along the Gulf Coast and plays a pivotal role in Innisfree Hotels’ commitment to sustainable practices. Furthermore, this venture elevates the Surf & Sand’s standing in the Green Key Global sustainable hospitality program, in which all 27 of Innisfree’s properties actively participate.

Beyond the Surf & Sand project, the partnership between Innisfree and SunFarm Energy extends to the launch of an Employee Solar Program. This initiative aligns with Innisfree’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives and underscores their dedication to sustainability. Additionally, SunFarm Energy’s contribution to The Hive, Innisfree’s philanthropic endeavor in Pensacola and neighboring communities, further solidifies their collaborative efforts towards positive local impact.

“By transitioning away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy, this project is reducing carbon emissions, contributing to improved air quality, and demonstrating that Innisfree is a leader in sustainability,” said Bethanne Edwards, Director of Sustainability at Innisfree Hotels. “What’s more, the solar project helps us deliver on our Triple Bottom Line commitment where success is determined by how well we protect the planet while serving people and communities.”

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