The New York Marriott Downtown has been looking for a way to reduce costs. They found that one of their most significant costs was energy, so the hotel’s management has installed a ‘microturbine farm.’

Marriott cut the ribbon on the new system on Tuesday, actually made up of two PureComfort systems. PureComfort systems are ultra-clean power setups sold by UTC Power. At Marriott, the 11 microturbines provide not only enough electricity for the 500-room full-service hotel to function but to also handle all cooling and heating needs. Temperature will be controlled through the use of the waste heat generated by the system’s microturbines.

In a press release, the hotel’s owner, Ed Walter, announced, “This system has a proven track record of reliability and efficiency.  It demonstrates our ability and interest in conserving energy and protecting the environment, while also generating a significant return on our investment. In addition, we have registered the project with the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) for LEED® certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program.”

UTC Power estimates that their system is almost 80 percent efficient, nearing three times the efficiency of a conventional power plant. Additionally, the hotel expects to reduce their carbon emissions by about 1,700 tons.

The New York Marriott Downtown has managed to go off the grid, energy-wise. I’m sure that Walter is just as pleased about not having to pay his electric bill as helping the environment. It’s always good to be able to both at the same time.