Few names define American hospitality quite like Hilton. Founded in 1919 by Conrad Hilton with a vision to "fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality," the company has grown from a single Texas hotel into one of the most recognized and respected brands in the world. With more than 7,000 properties across 120 countries, Hilton has set the gold standard for service, comfort, and innovation in the hotel industry.
Now, over a century later, Hilton is carrying that same spirit of leadership into a new era—one defined not only by comfort and care, but by clean energy and climate action. In Illinois, Hilton hotels are matching their annual electricity consumption with local community solar projects, powering the future of hospitality through renewable energy while delivering measurable economic benefits to both the brand and the communities they serve.
A Legacy of Hospitality—Now Powered by the Sun
From the first air-conditioned hotel in Texas to the introduction of digital room keys and global sustainability goals, Hilton has long stood at the intersection of innovation and care. Today, that legacy continues through an ambitious commitment to reduce carbon emissions and champion renewable energy.
Across Illinois, Hilton hotels are now offsetting approximately 441,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year through local community solar partnerships. That's enough clean energy to power nearly 40 average Illinois homes annually—a powerful example of how the hospitality industry can lead the charge toward a sustainable future.
Economic Savings with Purpose
Beyond environmental leadership, Hilton's solar initiative delivers significant economic value. Each participating hotel is expected to save an average of $6,840 per year on electricity costs, or more than $100,000 over the course of a 15-year subscription.
For hotel owners, these savings mean more capital to reinvest in workforce development, property upgrades, and community initiatives that enhance the guest experience. For Illinois communities, it means local dollars stay local—circulating through payroll, small business partnerships, and neighborhood revitalization.
It's a win-win model where sustainability meets sound business sense.
Strengthening Local Economies Across Illinois
Hilton's participation in community solar doesn't just benefit its properties—it powers opportunity for the entire state. By subscribing to solar farms built right here in Illinois, Hilton is helping to:
- Create high-quality local jobs in solar construction, maintenance, and energy management.
- Support Illinois landowners who lease their property for solar development.
- Stabilize energy costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels for surrounding communities.
These projects represent the next generation of energy independence, where clean power and community growth go hand-in-hand—just as Hilton has long paired hospitality with social responsibility.
Scaling Impact Across the Hilton Network
The momentum is just beginning. If all 100+ Hilton hotels across Illinois were to participate in community solar, the results would be transformative:
- Over 44 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy could be generated each year—enough to power more than 4,000 Illinois homes annually.
- Collectively, Hilton properties could save nearly $700,000 per year, driving millions of dollars in local economic benefit over the life of the program.
- The statewide carbon offset would equal removing over 6,000 passenger cars from the road each year.
This scale of impact demonstrates what's possible when the hospitality industry aligns with clean energy innovation—an inspiring model for others to follow.
Community Solar by the Numbers
Hilton's Clean Energy Impact
Monthly savings with guaranteed renewable energy—at no upfront cost
A Historic Moment for Sustainable Hospitality
Hilton's renewable energy commitment represents more than just operational efficiency—it's a historic milestone for the hospitality sector. By joining Illinois' community solar movement, Hilton has proven that major hotel brands can take meaningful action toward a carbon-free future while strengthening the very communities they serve.
This initiative cements Hilton's place as a sustainability leader—continuing its century-old mission of care, this time for both people and the planet.
The Light and Warmth of a Cleaner Tomorrow
As Hilton lights up its hotels across Illinois with clean, locally generated solar energy, it redefines what it means to be a global leader in hospitality. From serving guests with excellence to serving the planet with purpose, Hilton's journey is a testament to innovation, responsibility, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
"Because in the new age of hospitality, the true measure of luxury isn't just comfort—it's conscience. And Hilton is leading the way, one solar-powered stay at a time."
Because in the new age of hospitality, the true measure of luxury isn't just comfort—it's conscience. And Hilton is leading the way, one solar-powered stay at a time.
Your Business Can Follow Hilton's Lead
If Hilton's story proves anything, it's that any business—from hotels and restaurants to offices and manufacturers—can benefit from community solar. With no upfront costs, guaranteed savings, and immediate environmental impact, the transition to clean energy has never been easier.
To learn how to lower your business's Scope 2 emissions and reduce electricity costs at no risk, contact us or visit our website to speak with a member of the Clean Earth Renewables team.
