Environmental Program
April 2008 Announcement
MT. BACHELOR TO PURCHASE 100 PERCENT OF POWER FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
Commitment to Purchase Additional 7,178,874 kWh of Renewable Energy Credits Will Reduce Mt. Bachelor’s Carbon Footprint by 113.6 Percent
As part of Powdr Corp.’s commitment to environmental sustainability at all seven of its resorts, Mt. Bachelor today announced that it will purchase 100 percent of its power from renewable energy sources beginning in June 2008.
Under the terms of Powdr Corp’s agreement with Renewable Choice Energy, one of the country’s leading providers of Renewable Energy Credits and carbon offsets, Mt. Bachelor will purchase 7,178,874 kWh of Renewable Energy Credits in the coming year, reducing the resort’s carbon footprint by 113.6 percent and saving enough electricity to meet the annual energy demands of 570 average households. Mt. Bachelor already purchases 660,371 kWh of renewable energy through Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program, bringing its total renewable energy commitment to 7,839,245 kWh annually.
The net result of the Renewable Choice Energy effort at Mt. Bachelor alone will be the annual reduction of more than 9,784,000 pounds of CO2 emissions, and is the environmental equivalent of not consuming 10,322 barrels of oil, not burning 4.5 million pounds of coal, or not driving 10.68 million miles in an average car.
“The annual energy consumption of a ski resort is substantial, and we have a responsibility to reduce the carbon footprint of our resorts to help preserve their pristine settings for generations to come,” said Brent Giles, director of environmental affairs for Mt. Bachelor’s parent company, Powdr Corp. “While this switch to renewable energy will be invisible to the guest, skiers and riders can enjoy peace of mind knowing that all of Mt. Bachelor’s electricity is now coming from 100 percent renewable sources.”
Powdr Corp. has committed to purchasing a combined total of nearly 50 million kWh of Renewable Energy Credits at all seven of its resorts for the coming year, making it the second largest among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s partners in the travel and leisure category.
The RECs come in the form of wind, biomass, solar, small hydro and geothermal power sources from Renewable Choice. Company-wide, this represents an annual reduction of more than 85 million pounds of CO2 emissions, and is the environmental equivalent of not consuming 70,890 barrels of oil, not burning 31,042,224 pounds of coal, or not driving 73,367,232 miles in an average car.
“Perhaps more than any other industry, skiing is directly impacted by climate change and even the smallest contribution that we make toward the threat of global warming is too much,” said Matt Janney, general manager of Mt. Bachelor. “We owe it to ourselves, our children and the entire community to be the best possible stewards of our precious natural resources.”
A Message From Our Environmental Coordinator
Outdoor recreation thrives on the beauty of pristine surroundings. Balancing recreation and environmental conservation is one of our most challenging tasks. It is also one of our most important. As a permit holder on the Deschutes National Forest we are devoted to preserving the quality of our environment.
Mt. Bachelor has been at the forefront of the environmental movement within the ski industry. Over the past decade we have developed a strong environmental presence that has brought us to a leading position within the industry. This year and for several years past, the Ski Area Citizen’s Coalition awarded Mt Bachelor as one of the top 10 environmentally conscientious resorts in the USA.
We must be vigilant and forward thinking about the issues of solid waste, transportation, resource conservation and environmental impressions. Our work is ongoing with enhanced efforts this year. A band of Mt Bachelor employees has formed a volunteer Green Team this season. The team is analyzing the mountain’s current environmental efforts including waste and recycle management, petroleum product use, renewable energy credit applications, retrofit of energy efficient lighting and reuse of materials among other studies. In addition, the Company hired a team of climatologists to conduct a study over Mt Bachelor that will help us determine a timeline and road map of what we need to do to reduce our carbon footprint and preserve winter.
Formation of Mt Bachelor’s Green Team
A volunteer group of employees formed to evaluate what Mt Bachelor is currently achieving for our environment and where we can improve. An analysis report and a presentation of an improved environmental curriculum will be presented to POWDR corp. POWDR is interested in reducing the carbon footprint on a national level beginning with its various resorts. Our goal is to submit a proposal this spring to POWDR with the hopes of the Company offsetting the costs to initiate the program.
Proposed Resort Initiatives
Find an avenue to eliminate unsolicited junk faxes
New covers for F&B recycling bins to reduce mixing food trash with recycling
Switch from oil based paints to latex based paints in sign shop
Install airlocks at building entrances to eliminate heat loss
Install compressed air system at bus barn to reduce fuel consumption
Design future construction and remodels in an environmentally friendly manner
Research avenues to recycle silica gel and plastic bags used for packaging retail product
Research avenues for recycling used sheaves and snowcat tires
Work with all suppliers to reduce excess packaging
Look at options for using recycled tires in future paving projects
Work with other local businesses to find ways in reducing costs of recycling and to expand recycling programs
Work with the local community for support on E-85 availability in Central Oregon
Green Energy - Wind Powered Lifts
This season ride to the Mountaintop on Green Energy. We are powering the Sunrise, and new this year, the Pine Marten Express lifts using only wind power purchased from MidState Electric Cooperative. Through the purchase of Green Tags, we challenge you to power the Summit Express lift using Green Energy. Green Tags will be available for purchase at any ticket window. Mini-Green Tags ($2) help the Bonneville Environmental Foundation divert 140 pounds of Greenhouse gases. Green Tags ($20) divert 1400 pounds of Greenhouse gases.
Sustainable Slopes
As members of the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) we support Sustainable Slopes, the Environmental Charter of ski areas. According to the NSAA Environmental Mission Statement, "Ski areas across North America provide a quality outdoor recreation experience in a manner that complements the natural and aesthetic qualities that draw all of us to the mountains. We cherish the outdoors and respect the alpine environment in which we live and work. We are committed to improving environmental performance in all aspects of our operations and managing our areas to allow for their continued enjoyment by future generations.
Our efforts go far beyond supporting the NSAA Environmental charter or backing S.139 the McCain-Lieberman Climate Stewardship Act. At Mt Bachelor it begins with participation in the annual Sustainable Slopes self-assessment.
Keep Winter Cool
For a business based on winter sports, it is imperative that we do our part to Keep Winter Cool. A major cause of Global Warming is greenhouse gas, or increased carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, in the atmosphere. Through the quantitative data we submit for the Sustainable Slopes Annual Report we can measure our success in reducing greenhouse gases:
Bachelor Super Shuttles reduce more than seven million pounds of greenhouse gases annually
Bachelor Super Shuttles diverted 1.7 million employee and guest vehicle miles from the road last season
On mountain recycling by guests diverted 19 tons of garbage from area landfills last season
On mountain recycling by employees diverted 30 tons of garbage from area landfills last season
Testing of more efficient snowmobiles may result in an 85% reduction in carbon monoxide emissions
New this year! The Super Shuttle now runs on bio-diesel, with the intent of switching our grooming crew over in the next year.Other endeavors Mt Bachelor does to reduce the carbon footprint:
Use of partially recycled paper products in all restrooms
Recycling containers in F&B locations
Use of non-petroleum based cleaners for housekeeping
Use of recycled paper for insulated cups in F&B locations
Reuse of existing signs and sign materials
Use of “Green” cleaning agents for vehicles
Retrofit of lighting to low power devices as lights are replaced
Remodel of kitchen facilities to allow for china service
F&B requires suppliers to supply company environmental policies as part of bid
Use of bulk container food items for kids ski school lunches
Bulk cardboard recycling at retail from supplier packaging
Distribution of job applications via email instead of paper
Wind power credits for 2 lifts
Sale of Green TagsContracted with Waste Solutions Northwest (WSN)
Since the majority of all businesses are overspending on their waste, recycling services and equipment Mt Bachelor has contracted a waste solutions consultant to conduct a 4 year audit of the Company’s waste and recycling management systems.
Mt Bachelor continues to address its responsibilities, this time in the form of efficiency and savings. The scope of the program is to reduce and improve expenses related to waste and recycling.
WSN evaluates Mt Bachelor’s existing contracts and expenses incurred in recycling and waste areas for determining overcharges, which may now exist or have existed in the past. WSN prepares necessary documentation and negotiations with proper companies to correct overcharges and obtain refunds and/or credits.
No Idling Program
A professor at Dartmouth’s Thayer College of Engineering found that for every hour spent idling, a vehicle discharges 9.7 pounds of carbon emissions (diesel engines emit 19 pounds). Multiply that by 15 or 20 cars, buses and SUV’s in the drop-off area of most ski resorts and the carbon emissions add up!
Mt Bachelor instilled a No Idling program this December to reduce pollution, decrease health risks, save engine wear, and conserve fuel and money. Further consideration for this program inspired by children, as the drop-off area is frequented by kids who are at higher risk as they inhale more air per body weight.
Education and Outreach
Providing educational experiences is an important aspect to our operation. We want our guests to know what a special place Mt. Bachelor is, to understand what goes on under the snow with the flora and fauna, how the geologic history of this area has given us this great mountain and it's spectacular surroundings. To learn more about Mt. Bachelor and the Deschutes National Forest take part in a free USFS Naturalist Interpretive Snowshoe Tour.
While Mt. Bachelor makes an effort to Keep Winter Cool, our guests can do their part at home. Using Green Energy is becoming easier and less expensive. On Sustainable Slopes Outreach Day come to the Mountain to learn about home use of Green Energy.
Promotion and Recognition
SACC Top 1O Resort for environmental performance 2008
NSAA Member Environmental Resource Guide 1999
Participated in the creation of this ski industry document which high lights environmental success stories in the United States.Golden Eagle Award, 2000
Silver Eagle Winner "Transportation System"Golden Eagle Award, 1997
Finalist "Overall Environmental Excellence" and "Environmental Education."Golden Eagle Award, 1996
Silver Eagle Winner "Community Outreach."Golden Eagle Award, 1994
Winner "Overall Environmental Excellence." Summit of environmental achievement in the ski industry.Commute Options 1997
"Business of the Year." Recognized by Governor John Kitzaber as a transportation leader in the State of Oregon.National Recycling Coalition 1994
"Buy Recycled Business of the Year." Recognized for having an innovative and cost saving "buy recycled" program.
