SolarCity, Airbnb make home sharing more environmentally sustainable

Airbnb hosts and guests will now have access to an affordable and sustainable way to power their homes with solar energy via a new partnership between the world’s leading community-driven hospitality company and SolarCity Corp., the leading solar power provider in the US.

Home sharing is a more environmentally sustainable way to travel.  Based on methodology developed by Cleantech Group, Airbnb estimates that over the last year, by choosing Airbnb instead of hotels, Airbnb travelers in the US have reduced:

• Water consumption by 4.2 billion liters, the equivalent of 1,700 Olympic size swimming pools
• Greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to keeping 560,000 cars off the road for a year
• Waste generated by 37,000 metric tons
• Energy consumption equivalent to the amount used by 280,000 homes in one year

According to Chris Lehane, Airbnb’s Head of Global Public Policy & Communications, since 1988, the US has experienced 15 out of the 16 hottest years recorded in history. Climate change is affecting the way people make decisions, he said, adding that people want to make better use of what they have.

“Travelers, especially millennials, want a more sustainable choice and homeowners want to make better use of the 13 million empty houses and 36 million empty bedrooms in the United States alone. Cleantech Group estimated that the average Airbnb guest night results in 61% less CO2 emissions as compared to a night in a hotel. At the same time, Airbnb is an economic empowerment tool for hosts who can use their homes – typically their greatest expense – to share space and generate a little extra money to pay the bills,” said Lehane.

SolarCity customers can take control of their energy needs by using solar electricity that costs less than they would pay for utility power. Solar power also enables them to secure predictable monthly costs for years into the future.

As a full service provider, SolarCity handles everything from financing and permitting to installation and maintenance. The average SolarCity solar power system is estimated to offset over 150 metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution over its lifetime, which is equivalent to leaving more than 166,000 pounds of coal unburned or offsetting 125 road trips from San Francisco to New York.

Commenting on the benefits of clean energy, Toby Corey, President of Global Sales and Customer Experience in SolarCity, said: “Homeowners that make the simple switch to solar energy can save money on utility bills and fix their energy costs for years to come. This partnership will create the first opportunity for many Airbnb guests to stay in a solar-powered home, and allow them to experience first-hand how easy it is to use clean energy to contribute to a cleaner, healthier society.”

Experts in the environmental community and former city officials are encouraged by this type of partnership between a renewable energy provider and a hospitality company that can influence the green habits of millions of travelers.

“Cities need to embrace green technology in order to modernize and thrive. Solar power will allow countless citizens across the US to reduce their impact on the environment and protect their home towns for future generations of residents and visitors,” said Michael Nutter, former Mayor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Chair of Airbnb’s Mayoral Advisory Board.

“Expanding sustainability programs, particularly in the tourism markets, is a key driver of economic development initiatives of cities across the world. Through this partnership, everyday citizens who use Airbnb to host travelers and explore new destinations can protect our planet by investing in renewable and affordable solar power. This is an economic and environmental win,” said Annise Parker, former Mayor of Houston, Texas and member of Airbnb’s Mayoral Advisory Board.

Through the partnership, SolarCity will offer members of the Airbnb community a rebate on all solar panel systems. The rebate is available to Airbnb members in each market where SolarCity currently operates, and homeowners can choose the solar option that works for their homes. Additionally, new and current SolarCity customers who become Airbnb hosts will receive one Airbnb travel coupon per host.