Research – 5 Similar Companies

Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass was the first ski resort in the US to become certified as a “green” company, meaning it meets strict environmental management standards set by the International Organization for Standardization. This is the most widely known and respected certification, which demonstrates Aspen’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact. In order to achieve this recognition, Aspen has invested in:

• Greenhouse gas reductions

• Renewable energy procurement and energy efficiency

• Sustainable design and construction

• Water conservation

• Resource efficient transportation

• Solid and hazardous waste reduction

• “Green” product purchases

Aspen is also committed to green development. Thisis an approach to construction, management, and planning that aims to reduce the impact of buildings and developments on the environment. This includes making appropriate use of resources such as land, water, energy, and lumber. Specifically, Aspen has designed LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings. These are some of the most energy efficient commercial buildings in the state. For example, the Snowmass Golf Club House is heated and cooled using the pond on the 18th hole, and was built with sustainable harvested wood.

Additionally, Aspen developed the ski industry’s first climate policy and committed to reducing emissions by 10% by 2012. Vail Resorts has adopted a very similar goal of reducing energy usage by 10% by 2010.Vail is also looking to design energy efficient commercial buildings in the same state as Aspen Snowmass (Colorado). In order to reach its goal, Vail can follow some of the initiatives and strategies that Aspen has taken.

Intrawest Resorts: CopperMountain

Intrawest Resorts’ CopperMountain has taken recent initiatives to achieve environmental sustainability. Recent environmental projects at Copper include the TransportationCenter solar-powered system, resort-wide focus on energy conservation, and the Green Globes certification of the new Woodward at Copper facility. Green Globe is a leading green certification for the travel and tourism industry and its supply chain. Upcoming environmental initiatives include powering vehicles on vegetable oil from its restaurants, and a continued focus on energy savings.

The majority of Copper’s environmental programs are fiscally viable, an objective that Vail is also looking to achieve. Each of Copper’s projects considers projected saving and ROI. For example, lighting retrofits across the property has reduced the resorts carbon emissions and allowed the company to save money.

In the past year, Copper has reduced its energy consumption by 6%; the same amount that Vail has completed as well. In order to reach its 10% goal, Vail should consider taking using the same energy saving tactics that CopperMountain has. For example, taking vegetable from on-mountain restaurants to power resort vehicles is a possible way for Vail to reduce energy consumption. On-mountain dining, as well as in the resort towns, is a large part of Vail’s operations, and making this a viable option. Additionally, the recent acquirement of Colorado Mountain Express has added to the transportation expenses that Vail has incurred, which includes the cost of fuel. Therefore, the need to lower energy expenses for transportation is necessary.

Booth Creek Resorts: North-Star at Tahoe

The North-Star at Tahoe resort is developing a new mountainside community of 1,450 residences called The Highlands. This will include aRitz-Carlton hotel that will seek to achieve a LEED certified level or the U.S. Green Building Council. The Ritz-Carlton Highlands will be one of the first large scale, five-star hotels to do so in the U.S. The environmentally friendly features of the hotel include underground parking instead of outdoor asphalt parking lots. This reduces the need for paving roads, and maximizes natural, permeable surfaces most suitable for restoring ground water from rain and snow.The condos in The Highlands will be attached to reduce footprints and auto use, and the roofs will be made of recycled rubber tires, which are designed the give the buildings a 100-year life span.

The Highlands will set a new standard for sustainable development in the mountains. By developing a “green building handbook,” Vail Resorts is similarly trying to set new standards for new development in the mountainous regions. Additionally, Luxury hotels make up a significant portion of Vail’s resorts. The design techniques that Booth-Creek Resorts used to create this revolutionary hotel are important to consider for Vail’s handbook.

The Spire - Denver

The Spire in downtown Denver is one of the first residential high rises to have an energy efficient design and be LEED registered. For the Spire, green building will translate into enhanced energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and reduction of landfill waste. Some of the Spire’s sustainable features include:

•100% renewable energy power

•Water conservation techniques such as dual flush water closets and central hot water heating systems

•Enhanced air filtration

•Recycled building materials

•Comprehensive green cleaning/housekeeping system designed to reduce exposure to potentially hazardous contaminants that adversely effect air quality and the environment

Given that residential properties are a very large part Vail Resorts’ operations, the measure that The Spire is taking to create sustainable living are good examples for Vail to follow in its future development.

Boutique Apartments - Denver

Boutique Apartments is a company and builds and leases residential apartments that have a minimal impact on the environment. Boutique Apartments has installed energy efficient kitchen appliances, water heaters and boilers, and compact fluorescent lighting. Instead of black roofs, which absorb heat, there are white roofs on all apartment buildings. Bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource, is used for floors, which results in few trees being cut down. Additionally, low-VOC paint is used, which releases fewer toxins in to the air.

These are residential green building initiatives that Vail Resorts can consider when developing residential units. Installing white instead of black roofs is one way Vail could greatly reduce their cooling costs during summer months. Efficient appliance and lighting are also ways to reduce energy costs.