In mid 2008, work began on an ongoing project at Grayhawk Golf Club intended to boost energy efficiency as well as reduce the club’s carbon footprint.          
“The project opened our eyes to the way going green can be a win-win proposition.  As it turns out, the common misconception that green investment is a financial liability with little benefit is false,” said Del Cochran, General Manager of Grayhawk Golf Club. “Not only are we doing the right thing in terms of conservation of energy and lowering our carbon footprint, in a very tangible way it’s an equitable investment.” 
The improvements were implemented after an assessment made by Energy Management Advisors, LLC. The recommendations were in some cases minor and in others fairly extensive.
The first step consisted of tackling the club’s lighting by replacing less efficient bulbs. In all, more than 800 lamps and fixtures were replaced in the buildings including the Heather Farr, Champions Rooms and LED string lights on north side of buildings, thereby removing more than 59,000 watts of usage. 
Another phase of the project dealt with the club’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems (HVAC) by replacing aging and inefficient air conditioning units. In all, 21 units were installed and are 40% more efficient and use R410A refrigerant (non-ozone depleting Freon).
In an effort to bolster the building’s envelope, all the doors and windows were assessed for leaks. All of the original weather stripping and sealant was replaced. 
Programmable thermostats were also installed to better control the internal temperature of the building. This allows more control for specific rooms within the clubhouse allowing for remote control via the internet, and the system produces detailed reports so that management can analyze the profile of their usage. With these features, the retrofit dropped Grayhawk Golf Club’s annual HVAC repair bill by more than 80%. 
The club also decided to generate electricity in-house from the sun. A 28 kilowatt plant was installed on the roof of the maintenance building and was online in October 2009. The generating facility will produce on average 70% of the electricity needed by the host building. A similar 30 kilowatt facility is envisioned for the clubhouse in 2010.
The Solar project alone accounts for a reduction in Carbon Dioxide emissions by 113 tons amounting to 2,925 trees saved.  Other organizational objectives were met as well: cost savings (more than $100,000 per year) and a diminished impact on the environment (less electricity, less waste, more recycling). Plus, an unexpected benefit emerged – higher employee morale.  Better light, better air conditioning, facilities that are easier to maintain and a sincere concern for the environment demonstrated to the employees that management is reinvesting in their work space and the environment as a whole.