Whistler Blackcomb employees volunteer to pick up litter
Chosen as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2011:
By Kristina Leung and Richard Yerema, Mediacorp Canada Inc. staff editor
(
Apr 20, 2011)
Some of the reasons why Whistler Blackcomb was selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers (2011):
established an environmental management strategy back in 1993, with the goal of developing a model of environmental and social stewardship for ski and mountain resort operations
introduced aggressive recycling and composting programs in 2005 and created the full-time position of "Environmental Coordinator" to manage the company's onsite initiatives as it works toward the goal of zero waste -- recently achieving a 75% waste reduction rate in its food and beverage operations (the largest waste generator onsite)
has sought to reduce energy consumption through the installation of light timers, temperature control systems, and energy efficient light bulbs in the majority of its facilities
over 40 employees participate in a carpool program that utilizes five company vehicles and is estimated to save 64,000kms of driving as well as over 86,000 litres of fuel that equals a reduction of over 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year
the resort recently completed a $32 million micro-hydro-electric plant, which is located inside the ski area and produces enough clean electricity for its entire operations -- offsetting over 11,000 tonnes of carbon and providing the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power 3,000 homes
through its "Operation Green-Up" program, the company has a number of ongoing efforts to enhance the natural environment, including projects to limit erosion in watersheds, protect drinking water, and apply planting strategies that reintroduce native species and seed mixes to support wildlife
works closely with a local community organization (the Habitat Improvement Team) in an effort to protect, restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitat in the Whistler area, and partners with local government and other area businesses in the development of a comprehensive community sustainability plan (called Whistler 2020)
educates employees on environmental best practices and hosts ecology and wildlife viewing tours for visitors in addition to showcasing its environmental initiatives at interpretive sites throughout the resort property
