Official release from Whistler Blackcomb:
Whistler Blackcomb continues to be recognized for its proactive approach towards sustainability and energy conservation. This Earth Day, the ski resort is proud and honored to be named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the seventh consecutive year by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers.
“We are grateful and humbled by this recognition,” says Arthur De Jong, Mountain Planning and Environmental Resource Manager at Whistler Blackcomb. “Our company continues to strive towards sustainable growth while reducing the environmental footprint of our operations. We are particularly focused on the reduction of fossil fuels and addressing climate change.”
Aligning with Whistler Blackcomb’s efforts to reduce fossil fuels, the resort is the first in Canada to test the PistenBully 600 E+, the world’s first diesel-electric snowcat. The new technology boasts significantly lower ecological and economic impacts in addition to enhanced performance capabilities. Furthermore, Whistler Blackcomb’s employee White Bike Project has increased by 81 percent since 2013. The White Bike Project was introduced in the summer of 2011, enabling smooth, efficient travel of employees in between the company’s various buildings in and around the base area.
Whistler Blackcomb has been recognized recently as a 2014 Power Smart Leader by BC Hydro, an ongoing designation to be maintained by British Columbia’s leaders in energy conservation. Whistler Blackcomb was recognized by BC Hydro for a number of energy conservation initiatives that have helped Whistler Blackcomb achieve significant savings, including optimization of snowmaking – making more snow with less energy – and optimization of building operations in terms of heat, lights and automated sensor opportunities.
While the Canada’s Greenest Employer Award is environmental in nature, it also serves as a cornerstone for Whistler Blackcomb’s social objectives in giving back to the greater community. Whistler Blackcomb’s Habitat Improvement Team (HIT) works on projects both within the resort and the greater Sea To Sky community. In 2014, the HIT team completely restored the Ancient Cedars Trail, located north of the Whistler Village, bringing back an ecological treasure for guests, staff and the greater community to enjoy for years to come.
To learn more about Whistler Blackcomb’s environmental story guests can visit whistlerblackcomb.com/environment
