Chosen as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2009:
By Richard Yerema, Mediacorp Canada Inc. staff editor (Apr 16, 2009)
Some of the reasons why Intrawest ULC at Whistler Blackcomb was selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers (2009):
established an environmental management strategy in 1992 with the goal of developing a model of environmental and social stewardship for ski and mountain resort operations
is building a $32 million hydro-electric plant inside it's ski area that will produce more than enough clean electricity for all of its operations, offset over 11,000 tonnes of carbon, and make the ski resort better than carbon neutral in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics
introduced aggressive recycling and composting programs in 2005, with the goal of achieving a 75 percent reduction in waste this year in its massive food and beverage operations (which includes 18 restaurants)
added a full-time "Environmental Coordinator" position to manage the company's many onsite initiatives as it works towards the goal of zero waste
recently installed light timers, temperature control 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 -- equaling a reduction of over 200 tonnes of carbon emissions each year
through its "Operation Green-Up" program, the company has spent $1.5 million since 1999 in a variety of 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 their efforts to protect, restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitat in the Whistler area as well as partnering with local government and other area businesses in developing a comprehensive community sustainability plan (called Whistler 2020)
trains employees on best environmental practices, and hosts ecology and wildlife viewing tours for visitors in addition to showcasing its environmental initiatives through over 50 interpretive sites throughout the resort property
