Environment
Our Mission
Zero waste, zero carbon, zero net emissions – this is our goal – for Whistler Blackcomb to achieve Zero Operating Footprint. This will only be possible with the support of our employees, our guests and our community. For all of us, Every Step Counts.
This collective mission inspires guests to visit us who are factoring environmental impacts into their travel choices.
What Moves Us
Long before global warming became a household term, before most companies started touting corporate green initiatives, Whistler Blackcomb learned a hard lesson on the impacts of poor environmental performance. What began with an apology grew into one of the most dynamic efforts at sustainability planning in the ski resort industry and spurred the motivation to become a leader in the pursuit of sustainable operations. For us, the catalyst was a diesel spill in 1992 that polluted a mountain stream. An ecological tragedy that had us scrambling to clean up the mess and to look at the issues that led to the spill. This early wake-up call drove us to partner with our staff, our guests and our community to find ways to reduce our environmental footprint while continuing to provide the best mountain experiences on the planet. We have a long way to go but we believe that these continued partnerships will help us reach our goal of Zero Operating Footprint.Zero Operating Footprint
Since 2000, we have reduced our waste by more than 60%. Between 2008 and 2009 alone, we saw waste reduced by 42% in our restaurants through the implementation of large-scale composting at our large facilities. If we purchase with the end in mind, reduce packaging, disposables, recycle and compost, we can reach zero waste. We have reduced our energy consumption by 15% and continue to implement energy efficiency projects across our operations.In 2010, a micro hydro renewable energy plant situated in the middle of Whistler Blackcomb underneath Peak to Peak Gondola built through a partnership began production. The project returns to the grid the equivalent of Whistler Blackcomb's annual demand. Not only is a Zero Operating Footprint possible, it represents good business. Today, our sustainability programs return over $750,000.00 in savings to our bottom line and help to improve efficiency and employee and guest satisfaction.
Key Result Areas
1. Energy
- Whistler Blackcomb is committed to minimizing our consumption of fuel and electricity through behavioral changes, retrofits and clean technologies with a focus on assisting guest and resort community reductions.
2. Mountain Ecosystems
- By identifying and protection of special places on the mountains, Whistler Blackcomb encourages a respectful relationship between the experiences of our guests with the health of the mountain ecosystem. We will continue to move beyond mitigation to take a restorative role with our mountain ecosystems by improving our operating procedures and design of projects.
3. Waste
- Through responsible purchasing, innovative waste solutions, reuse and recycling, Whistler Blackcomb will strive for zero waste
4. Awareness and Education
- Whistler Blackcomb strives to provide as many entry points as possible for our staff and our guests to learn about sustainability and opportunities to participate.
5. Social Involvment
- We see Whistler Blackcomb as a community within a community. As such, we try to be active partners and ensuring open communication, cooperation and having a positive impact.
6. Environmental Awards
- At Whistler Blackcomb, we are grateful for the recognition we have received for our efforts in working toward sustainability.
7. Environmental Team
- Meet the Whistler Blackcomb Environmental team
Our Partners
Using state-of-the-art technology, TELUS unleashes the power of the internet to deliver the best solutions to Canadians at home, in the workplace and on the move.
Coca-Cola offers the world's favourite beverage brand to Whistler Blackcomb guests as a part or their memorable resort experience. As the cold drink sponsor at Whistler Blackcomb, Coca-Cola brings more than ice-cold refreshment.
Since 1995, GMC has been the Official Vehicle of Whistler Blackcomb. GMC trucks and SUVs give you the performance, engineering and technology to get you, your family and friends and all their gear to and from the mountain any time of the year.
Light it Up!
Avis Car Rental and its subsidiaries operate one of the world's best-known car rental brands with approximately 5,200 locations in more than 165 countries.
The Globe and Mail, Canada's National Newspaper, daily offers unparalleled national, international and business reporting, analysis and commentary to all the guests and patrons of Whistler Blackcomb.
Our name represents a long-standing tradition of producing premium wines from Canada and around the world; it is your guarantee of outstanding quality and an uncompromising commitment to making great wine. We’ve got a wine for that.
Smirnoff is proud to be the vodka sponsor of Whistler Blackcomb. From extraordinary event experiences, to the latest in Music, Nightlife and extraordinary Cocktails. The world's best cocktails start with Smirnoff.
W.L. Gore & Associates, the makers of GORE-TEX® products, is proud to be the official technical fabric sponsor of Whistler Blackcomb. GORE-TEX® products are wearable weather protection that keeps you dry and comfortable from head to toe in any kind of weather.
American Express is the official Card of Whistler Blackcomb. The sponsorship program brings unique offers, purchase incentives and rewards for American Express® Cardmembers. ®,™: Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express
GoPro - The World's Most Versatile HD Camera for sports
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