Whistler/Blackcomb

www.whistlerblackcomb.com

 

 

Whistler Blackcomb is committed to developing sustainable practices since 1993 with a focus on the areas of Climate Change, Waste Management, Land Use and Water Quality and Conservation.  Due to its efforts they have been awarded 16 national and international awards!

 

Climate Change: Climate change has come to the forefront as the most pressing global environmental issue. Recognising the potential impacts of climate change on the industry and the world, Whistler Blackcomb is doing what it can to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with its operations.

• Reduced fleet and vehicle size for higher efficiency.
• Purchased 39 low-emission snowmobiles representing half of our fleet and continue to purchase low-emission replacement models.
• A micro hydro system  is currently being built that will produce what the ski area consumes annually in renewable energy - the equivalent of 3000 homes.  
• Established an employee carpooling program that saves more than 617,000 kilograms of emissions annually.
• Carried out retrofits that reduce our annual electricity consumption by 4,575,000 kWh or enough power to run 450 Canadian homes for a year.
• Carried out retrofits to our buildings that have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 850 tonnes and consumption by over 6000 gJ.
• Changed out 11,000 light bulbs to more efficient and environmentally friendly models.
• Installed a 1.0-megawatt run-of-river turbine in Flute Creek to power the lights and heat in the lift hut and washrooms at the bottom of the Symphony Express Chairlift.

Waste Management:  Whistler/Blackcomb has reduced the amount of waste it sends to the landfill by more than 60% through its efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle.  One significant way it has reduced its way is by introducing composting at The Roundhouse Lodge. The Roundhouse Lodge is a 50,000 square foot restaurant at the top of Whistler Mountain. The team has been collecting organics from the kitchen of the Roundhouse for three years and composted 100 tonnes of organics.  They have also expanded its composting program to include the collection of paper towels in all of its on-mountain restrooms. Whistler/Blackcomb’s goal is to reach 100 per cent waste reduction, reaching 90 per cent in the next three years through composting.

 

Land Use: Whistler Blackcomb's ongoing program for mountain remediation is called Operation Green Up. Over $1.5 million has been spent since 1999 to meet the following objectives:

• Limit erosion within our community watersheds protecting drinking water and fish habitat values.
• Utilize native species where possible.
• Apply planting strategies/seed mixes that will enhance wildlife habitat.
• Enhance the visual appeal of the mountains.
• Protect our recreational assets. Ensure that our trails and roads exposed to potential washout are re-engineered and rehabilitated.

For more information go to http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/mountain/environment/index.htm