WHISTLER BLACKCOMB NAMED ONE OF CANADA’S GREENEST EMPLOYERS FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW
Recognition given for renewable energy development, waste reduction and land conservation initiatives
WHISTLER, BC, April 22, 2010 – At the same time Earth Day is celebrated across the globe, Whistler Blackcomb has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for a second year in a row.
“We are thrilled to accept this award on behalf of our 3,800 employees,” says Dave Brownlie, President and Chief Operating Officer at Whistler Blackcomb. “This recognition could not be possible without the dedication, passion and commitment our staff and guests have shown to reducing waste and conserving energy. This is an award that we all can be proud of.”
Whistler Blackcomb participates in innovative renewable energy projects and encourages its staff and guests to become environmental stewards. The company received special recognition for its involvement in the Fitzsimmons Creek Run-of-River project. Located in the middle of the ski area underneath the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, this hydro-powered renewable energy plant became operational earlier this year. This project, created in partnership with Innergex Renewable Energy and Ledcor Power Group, produces enough energy to match the total annual energy consumption of the ski area’s operating footprint (including lifts, mountain restaurants, and snowmaking).
From 2008 to 2009, Whistler Blackcomb’s food and beverage division, which includes 18 restaurants, reduced its waste by 75 per cent. Meanwhile, Whistler Blackcomb staff participate in a range of environmental programs, carpooling groups, energy conservation programs and community efforts, such as the Habitat Improvement Team (HIT). To date, Whistler Blackcomb employees have also donated $250,000 to the Whistler Blackcomb Environment Fund, which funds green projects in the community, including HIT.
“We are very grateful and inspired by the recognition,” says Arthur DeJong, Whistler Blackcomb’s Mountain Planner and Environmental Resource Manager. “Of course, with this award comes the humility of knowing we have so much further to go.”
Canada’s Greenest Employers competition has been running since 2007 and is organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers project in partnership with Mediacorp Canada Inc.
Applicants were judged on a variety of criteria, including uniqueness, success and longevity of environmental initiatives, as well as employee and community engagement.
This year, The Globe and Mail newspaper has published a national report on the nation’s most environmentally conscious employers in celebration of Earth Day. The Greenest Employers are also recognized online at Eluta.ca.
For more information on Whistler Blackcomb’s environmental story, please visit http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/mountain/environment/index.htm
About Whistler Blackcomb
Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb welcomes the world in 2010 as a host venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. With uninterrupted skiing, riding and sightseeing available throughout the winter, season two of the highly acclaimed PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, and great package deals offered throughout the season, Whistler Blackcomb continues to raise the level of mountain excitement for its guests. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver, Canada up the spectacular, newly-finished Sea to Sky Highway, this resort is home to Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, which boast one vertical mile of incredible skiing and riding. With over 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, 200 trails, and 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, the choices of where and what to ski/ride at Whistler Blackcomb from beginner to advanced terrain are staggering. Joined at the base by a vibrant pedestrian village filled with award-winning après bars, restaurants, patios, cafes, shops, galleries and spas, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this four-season resort is spectacular. For more information, visit http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com.
About Intrawest
Intrawest is a leader in the development and management of experiential destination resorts. The Company has a network of resorts at North America’s most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world. Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit http://www.intrawest.com
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