The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) released its 12th
Sustainable Slopes Annual Report detailing the ski industry’s 2011/12 progress
in implementing the principles of its Environmental Charter. More than 190
resorts endorse the NSAA Environmental Charter, representing about 75 percent
of the industry’s annual skier and snowboarder visits.
The report also speaks to the association’s newly developed
Climate Challenge Program, a voluntary program for resorts to inventory, target
and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The founding eight Climate Challenge ski
areas inventoried a total of 67,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
(MTCO2e). When all of the targets established among those participants have
been completed, 17 percent of emissions will be reduced by 2020, saving about
$600,000 per year in utility and fuel costs. Reduction projects implemented in
2012 include four lighting efficiency projects, four snowmaking efficiency
projects, one vehicle conversion project, one solar photovoltaic system and one
wind turbine. The report identifies the 10 additional ski areas that have
signed on to participate in the Challenge for 2012/13.
The report recognizes the winners of the Golden Eagle Awards
for environmental excellence. This year’s winners include Aspen Skiing Co. in
Colorado, Stevens Pass in Washington, and Mt. Abram in Maine. It also
highlights the latest environmental projects at ski areas across the country
including the use of electric vehicles, composting, local purchasing programs,
efforts to reduce carbon footprints, water conservation efforts, and employee
and guest education as it relates to sustainability. The report also calls out
sponsor and partner contributions that make the Sustainable Slopes Grant
Program, implemented in 2009, possible.
