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PROJECT HIGHLIGHT: Westin Rancho Mirage Heat Pump Water Heaters

BACKGROUND

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa spans 360 acres with 512 guest rooms across 16 separate buildings. Director of Engineering, Dale Fox, contacted Willdan to learn about available energy rebates. Willdan identified the opportunity to replace existing natural gas water heaters with high efficiency heat pump water heaters. Willdan conducted the initial feasibility study, provided referrals to qualified contractors, and managed the rebate process.

"We spent $0 out of pocket to get brand new water heaters, and the installation was seamless. Our overall utility cost has decreased and we reduced our carbon footprint. Willdan’s support was instrumental to getting this done."

- DALE FOX, Director of Engineering

CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS

Challenge One: Aesthetics. Westin was concerned about the lengthy electrical runs and conduit required for the installation.

Solution: Westin’s aesthetic design requirements were maintained by concealing the conduit under the roof line and painting to match the existing buildings.

Challenge Two: High Occupancy. The resort was booked at nearly 100% occupancy, and Westin did not want to delay the installation because rebate funding had run out in the prior Program year. It was critical that room availability was maximized and guest disruption was avoided.

Solution: A detailed installation schedule was developed with input from Westin to optimize guestroom availability. Work was performed outside of normal business hours as needed to ensure project success. There were no guest complaints reported.

RESULTS

  • Brand new, state of the art high efficiency water heaters
  • Reduction of 150 metric tons of CO2 in carbon emissions
  • Compliant with SCAQMD Rule 1146.2 zero-emission NOx requirements
  • $1.2M project completed at zero cost
Southern California Edison (SCE) has contracted with WIlldan Energy Solutions to develop, implement, and offer this Program to SCE customers. We provide comprehensive consultants, technical experts, financing options, and energy-efficient upgrades. Willdan is not a representative of SCE or otherwise affiliated with SCE. Terms and Conditions apply, for more information please visit: willdanefficiency.com ©2025 Willdan.