Keep Utah Cool

“There’s no need to smell and breathe excess exhaust in an area that is supposed to take you away from it all,” said Maura Olivos, Sustainability Coordinator for the Alta Environmental Center. The Alta Environmental Center, along with the Town of Alta, Friends of Alta, and Alta Community Enrichment, have bumped knuckles to promote Idle Free Utah - a campaign that started in 2008.

A formal proclamation against idling was issued in January 2009 and now the idea is spreading up and down Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon. Kill your engines. The town hopes to encourage (no citations will be issued) drivers to reduce vehicle pollution. Locals everywhere have been handing out ‘Idle Free’ car decals.

Read the rest of the story at OnTheSnow.com

- Purchases 424 Trees to Offset Its Projected 2009 Travel -

Salt Lake City (March 31, 2009) –Traveling by car or plane emits a fair amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. To help combat the impact visiting Salt Lake has on the environment, the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau (SLCVB) recently launched its own online carbon offset program on its website, VisitSaltLake.com. The SLCVB’s carbon offset program is in partnership with Tree Utah and done in conjunction with Salt Lake County’s “One Million Trees” program.

To jump-start the program and practice what it preaches to Salt Lake visitors, the SLCVB estimated the staff’s travel in 2009 (1 million miles) and calculated its carbon footprint utilizing its carbon calculator (212 tons of carbon emissions). The SLCVB then purchased 424 trees to double the offset of its own estimated impact on the environment. (The SLCVB Carbon Offset program estimates a $10 purchase of trees to offset one ton of carbon emissions.)

“We feel it’s critical to not only offer such programs for our visitors, but to actively participate and show our stewardship for the environment and our future, particularly in Salt Lake where we’re literally surrounded by nature,” said Scott Beck, President and CEO of the SLCVB. “For just $5, you can purchase a seedling that will help offset half a ton of carbon. Imagine the impact one million trees will have over time, not only to the atmosphere but to our community as a whole.”

In an effort to maximize the benefits Salt Lake receives from this project, every tree purchased as part of the carbon offset program is being planted in Salt Lake County. This quick-and-easy way to make a difference is in conjunction with Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon’s “One Million Trees for One Million People” program, a 10-year campaign with the goal of planting one million trees in Salt Lake County by 2017. The trees are being planted and cared for by TreeUtah, a nonprofit organization dedicated to tree planting and education.

“I’m encouraged that individuals, as well as public and private organizations, are recognizing the importance of protecting the natural environment,” commented Mayor Corroon. “I applaud the efforts of the SLCVB to offset its impact on our planet.”

Carbon offsetting is the process of helping counteract the amount of carbon dioxide emissions created when doing an activity that uses energy and generates emissions, such as driving or flying. Carbon offsetting enables anyone to reduce their carbon footprint by offsetting their own contribution to global warming. To calculate your carbon emission and purchase the necessary trees to offset it, go to www.visitsaltlake.com/carbon_offset/.

The Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit corporation responsible for the promotion of Salt Lake as a convention and travel destination. Over its 25 years, the SLCVB has increased convention revenue from $11 million to $326 million, fulfilling its mission of improving the area economy by attracting and providing support to conventions, leisure travelers and visitors. Salt Lake is a unique fusion of metropolitan city and quaint mountain town; the towering Wasatch Mountains that embrace Salt Lake offer a dramatic backdrop to the vibrancy and activities of downtown. Having completed a $58 million expansion in 2006, the Salt Palace Convention Center now boasts 675,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space, ideal for groups of all sizes and needs. For more information on all that Salt Lake has to offer, visit www.VisitSaltLake.com.

- www.VisitSaltLake.com -

Alta Ski Area founded the Alta Environmental Center (Alta EnCe) to protect and improve the environmental health of Alta. As the stewards of our privately-owned and Forest Service permitted lands, it is our duty to ensure Alta addresses the challenges posed by increased visitation, development, and growth. Our primary focus is on protecting the vegetation, water, and air because these are the cornerstones of Alta’s environmental health.

Alta Ski Area can not achieve sustainability alone and we will work with our partners to develop solutions. Our four primary paths to sustainability will be through:

Sustainability
The Alta EnCe will coordinate all of Alta Ski Area’s environmental efforts and be instrumental in developing and implementing new sustainability initiatives.

Research
Research will be conducted by third-party researchers who are supported by the Alta Environmental Center. The results of environmental research will further our understanding of the canyon environment and enable us to be better stewards of the land.

Education
We hope to stimulate a culture of education by attracting environmental learners and educators to Alta. Through the provision of education support services, we will make Alta an attractive destination for environmentally focused programs.

Database
The EnCe database will warehouse all the information that flows through the organization. Through the assimilation and organization of what has been done—we can determine what needs to be done, and provide a resource for researchers, educators, and students around the world.

Our Current Sustainability Projects

Community Emissions Reduction Campaign
We are working with Town of Alta, Friends of Alta, and ACE to reduce the amount of emissions in the air by joining up with SLC’s Idle Free campaign. We know it’s winter but do you really need to let the car run when you’re not in it? Show your support by picking up an Idle Free sticker at the Main Office, Post Office, or Town of Alta’s office.

Update Environmental Report
We are in the process of updating our 2003-2004 Environmental Report. Click here to check out the original environmental report and see a list of our recent efforts.

Summer 2008 Vegetative Management Study
This summer we revisited Alta’s existing vegetation management plan to evaluate its success, implement improvements, and suggest new revegetation techniques Alta will use in Summer 2009.

Alta Ski Area Baseline Studies
Starting in Fall 2008, the Alta Environmental Center will be developing baselines of Alta Ski Area’s energy use, waste production, water consumption, and emissions output. With this information, Alta will gain further understanding of the affects that operational decisions have on the environment.

Overview Wolf Creek Utah has an ongoing commitment to sustainable development. Eco-sensitive in their efforts, flora, fauna, and open space are abundant throughout the property. Wolf Creek Utah is dedicated to wildlife habitat sanctuaries and water and energy conservation. Wolf Creek Utah believes it is critical to preserve Ogden Valley’s precious wildlife and natural resources.

A History of
Conservation In 1980, Wolf Creek Utah began their sustainability efforts, working closely with the State’s Department of Wildlife Preservation. In 1988, a large, contiguous section of open space was sold to the state that is now called “The Ogden Valley Land Trust”. In addition, a conservation easement was recorded against 880 acres of land that is still privately owned by Wolf Creek Utah. These two combined actions ensure that over 6,000 acres of contiguous land will remain open for the quiet enjoyment of our owners and Valley residents and for the preservation of wildlife. Wolf Creek Utah continues to foster these untouched areas. In fact, they have over 75 percent of the 3,000 acre master planned development set aside as open space.

Steve Roberts, Wolf Creek Utah’s managing partner, demonstrated his commitment to preservation of the environment back in the 1970’s. Before the words “green” or “sustainable” were in any developer’s vocabulary, he purchased property at the Hollister Ranch along the Gaviota Coast of California and built what would be considered today a “green” ranch house. He and his surfer buddies handmade over 17,000 adobe bricks using the clay soil on site. The house was constructed from these bricks, as well as from recycled lumber, stone from the nearby creek and clay tiles. It was powered by a wind generator and the water system was supplied by a nearby spring and pumped by a windmill. Solar panels provided radiant heating and hot water.

He lived there for 22 years before moving to Utah in 1997. The Gaviota Coast remains one of the most pristine environmentally protected sections of coastline in the United States. Today, Roberts dedicates his passion for sustainability to Wolf Creek Utah.

Wolf Creek Utah shares the local community’s value of “open space and wildlife preservation.” Called to action, Wolf Creek Utah works with various groups to ensure this value is protected.

Golf Course Wolf Creek Utah’s environmental commitment is exhibited by becoming the first golf course in the State of Utah to be certified by the Audubon Society. Wolf Creek achieves this by reducing and emphatically controlling the use of chemicals in their landscaping. Also, to keep the course beautifully green, they use recycled water from their state-of-the-art Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Audubon’s mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. Wolf Creek Utah achieves this by reducing and emphatically controlling the use of chemicals in their landscaping.
Water
Conservation Water conservation in this high desert location is of extreme importance. Wolf Creek Utah recently completed their state-of-the art Waste Water Treatment Plant. The Zenon filtration system is a microbiological water purifier. Prior to having such a system, all of the waste water from the valley was sent to a septic tank, which leached into the ground. Now, Wolf Creek Utah is able to turn this water into a reusable source and clean it before it goes back into the environment. This facility is built to process 400,000 gallons of water per day and is expandable if needed in the future. This water will be implemented throughout Wolf Creek Utah for the use of sustainable watering of the golf course, yards and gardens. The best about this “recycled” water is that the quality of water is better than what flows from the creek. Wolf Creek Utah’s water conservancy efforts extend to each and every member at Wolf Creek Utah with their providing irrigation water meters to every home site in its community.

Recycling Recycling doesn’t stop at Wolf Creek’s water treatment facility. A new program has been implemented at the resort to recycle materials used at the resort. All cardboard is recycled and all office desks have recycling receptacles. Also, bio-degradable to-go containers are used in the restaurants and on the golf course.

Other Eco-Sensitive
Measures at
Wolf Creek Wolf Creek Utah’s environmental dedication is prevalent throughout the entire resort and is built into all future planning.

To make the resort pedestrian friendly Wolf Creek Utah added alternative transportation, lessening the impact of vehicles, reducing impervious surfaces such as asphalt, and lowering CO2 emissions by using natural gas and other fuel sources. Buses, shuttles, pathways, and other modes of transportation are being developed by Wolf Creek Utah Resort to minimize vehicle use. The resort’s “master plan” is designed with this pedestrian foresight. They are also committed to providing workforce housing to our employees, which reduces the amount of traffic in the valley.

Eco-friendly measures are also taken in the restaurants in which bio-degradable containers replace the usual containers which saturate our landfills and steroid-free beef and wild-caught fish are served fresh, making for a environmentally friendly and delicious meal.

The toiletries provided to guests are not tested on animals. And, their cleaning staff is moving toward using “green” cleaning products.

The current investment in these friendly resources will protect the future and pristine nature of Wolf Creek Utah Resort and the Ogden Valley.

Wolf Creek Resort has an ongoing commitment to sustainable development. Through efforts in open space, wildlife habitat, water-recycling, and energy conservation, Wolf Creek Utah is dedicated to the preservation of the environment…our number one asset.

Media Contact Amy Monier
Martz Agency
480.344.0140
amonier@martzagency.com

Westminster College acknowledges the importance of efficient energy, water, and material use here on campus.  The college has many programs in place or on the horizon which address the challenge of sustainability, including . . .

• Westminster First College in Utah with Solar. 42 panels on the roof of Dolores Dore Eccles Health Wellness and Athletic Center provide free, clean energy for part of the building.

• Westminster Wheels. Initiated and maintained by student visionaries, Westminster promotes commuting without polluting with its free bike program–10 beautiful cruisers are available for check-out to all students, faculty, and staff.
• Landscape Master Plan & Demonstration Gardens. Completed in 2005, the campus-wide plan targets areas for improved water conservation.  A grant from the Energy Solutions Foundation will enable the college to demonstrate water-wise and native landscaping on campus.
• President Bassis signs American College & University President’s Climate Commitment. Under the President’s leadership, the college pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strive for climate neutrality.
• Blue Sky Renewable Energy Partnership. Initiated by a student proposal, 11% of Westminster’s electricity now comes from renewable sources like wind and solar.
• Campus Recycling Program. Campus collects all numbered plastics, paper, metals, and cardboard.  Bins are located in every building and residence hall.
• Ride UTA for FREE. Students, faculty, or staff who pledge to use alternative transportation four days per month can get their new Westminster ID activated as a FREE UTA premium transit pass.
• Westminster Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 2008. This document details all college greenhouse gas emissions and their sources.

For more information, visit: https://www.westminstercollege.edu/environmental_center/index.cfm?parent=6676&detail=6704

MISSION STATEMENT

The Powder Mountain Conservancy is committed to improving environmental performance in all aspects of the resorts’ operations and managing the area to allow for their continued enjoyment by future generations.

PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS
The following organizations and companies have helped guide, define, and achieve our goals.

*SUSTAINABLE SLOPES *SNOWRIDER PROJECT

*CLIF BAR *PMU

PMC ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS AND GOALS

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The Salt Lake City Department of Airports has integrated environmental policies and practices, business operations and asset management functions to ensure that sustainability is managed holistically. The program is continually evolving and innovations are rapidly developing. Some of the current best practice highlights include:

Recycling

- Over 5000 pounds of paper, aluminum and other recyclables are collected monthly from offices and recycled.

- Last year, over 60 tons of newspaper and plastic were recycled from airport terminals.

- In 2007, the airport recycled approximately 264 tons of cardboard.

- Aircraft deicing fluid is collected, processed and resold. Last year, the airport sold over 55,000 gallons of glycol.

- Demolished asphalt and concrete are salvaged and stockpiled for re-use as road base or stabilization material in construction projects.

- In 2007, the airport reused or recycled approximately 84,000 cubic yards of construction debris.

- Vegetation disrupted by construction is converted to mulch and reused.

- Metal from demolition is sent to scrap metal facilities for recycling.

-  Used oil from the vehicle fleet and general aviation is recycled.

- Used tires and batteries are returned to suppliers for recycling.

Water conservation

- Since 2001, the airport has planted water conserving landscape that features plants that thrive in Utah’s high desert environment.

- A drip irrigation watering system has been installed for more efficient water use.

- Restrooms are now equipped with water conserving plumbing fixtures which reduces water consumption by half.

Alternative Fuels

- The airport’s shuttle buses run on clean burning natural gas.

- Light and medium duty vehicles have also been converted to natural gas.

- Electric vehicles and hybrids have been incorporated into the airport fleet.

- Tenants are offered incentives to use alternative fuel and there is a natural gas fueling station on the airport.

Use of Technology

- A Building Automation System (BAS) calculates the most efficient use of boilers, chillers, cooling towers and distribution loops. This conserves energy and reduces operating costs.

- The BAS also controls most of the lighting throughout the airport. Lighting is maximized through the use of daylight ambient sensors and time of day use.

-  BAS controls outside radiant heaters saving electricity.

Management Practices

- Water based paint is now required replacing high emission producing oil based paints.

- The airport encourages tenant compliance with recycling programs. Delta Air Lines recycles in-flight waste.

- Maintains 450 acres of wetlands west of the airport.

- Currently, thousands of light fixtures are being replaced with more energy efficient, long lasting fixtures.

National Awards Honor Leading Green Power Purchasers

Park City, Utah (October 28, 2008) – Powdr Corp announced today that it has received a 2008 Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The annual awards recognize the country’s leading green power purchasers for their commitment and contribution to advancing the development of the nation’s voluntary green power market. EPA presented Powdr Corp with the award at an event held in conjunction with the 2008 National Renewable Energy Marketing Conference in Denver, Colorado.

Powdr Corp was one of only nine organizations nationwide to receive a Leadership Award in the Green Power Purchasing category. This award recognizes EPA Green Power Partners who distinguish themselves through purchases of green power from a utility green-pricing program, a competitive green marketer, or a renewable energy credit (REC) supplier. Powdr Corp currently purchases nearly 50 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which is enough green power to meet 100 percent of the organization’s purchased electricity. Powdr Corp buys renewable energy credits (RECs) from Renewable Choice Energy, located in Boulder, Colo.

“We are proud to receive this prestigious award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said Brent Giles, director of environmental affairs for Powdr Corp. “Purchasing green power helps our organization become more sustainable, while also sending a message to other companies and individuals across the U.S. that supporting clean sources of electricity is a sound business decision and an important choice in reducing climate risk.”

Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro. These resources generate electricity with a net zero increase in carbon dioxide emissions, while offering a superior environmental profile compared to traditional power generation sources. Green power purchases also support the development of new renewable energy generation sources nationwide.

“Our nation is shifting to a ‘green culture,’ with more and more Americans understanding that environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “EPA commends Powdr Corp for making a long-term commitment to protecting the environment by purchasing green power.”

According to the U.S. EPA, Powdr Corp’s current green power purchase of nearly 50 million kWh is equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions of nearly 7,000 passenger vehicles per year, or is the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power just about 5,000 average American homes annually.

Powdr Corp is committed to being an industry leader in environmental stewardship. In addition to the purchase of 100 percent renewable energy, Powdr Corp resorts are actively involved in environmental initiatives including energy reduction, the use of alternative fuels and recycling. These initiatives have offset Powdr Corp’s carbon footprint by 92 percent.

About Powdr Corp
Powdr Corp is one of the leading mountain resort owners and operators in the United States. Headquartered in Park City, Utah, Powdr Corp currently owns and operates seven ski and snowboard resorts including Park City Mountain Resort in Park City, Utah, Killington Resort and Pico Resort in Killington, Vermont, Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon, Boreal Resort and Soda Springs Resort, both in Donner Summit, California, and Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. Powdr Corp also operates Gorgoza Park, a lift-served tubing park, in Park City, Utah. For additional information, please visit www.powdr.com.

About EPA’s Green Power Partnership
The Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that encourages organizations to buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with purchased electricity use. The Partnership currently has more than 1,000 Partner organizations voluntarily purchasing billions of kilowatt-hours of green power annually. Partners include a wide variety of leading organizations such as Fortune 500 companies, small and medium sized businesses, local, state, and federal governments, and colleges and universities. For additional information, please visit http://www.epa.gov/greenpower.

About the Green Power Leadership Awards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) co-sponsors the annual Green Power Leadership Awards in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Center for Resource Solutions. EPA recognizes winners in the following awards categories; Green Power Partner of the Year; On-site Generation; and Green Power Purchase. EPA’s Purchaser awards recognize the exceptional achievement among EPA Green Power Partners who distinguish themselves through green power procurement, market leadership, overall green power strategy, and overall impact on the green power market. The Awards are held in conjunction with the National Renewable Energy Marketing Conference. For additional information, please visit http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/awards/.

Cool video from Freeriders Against Global Warming.

Got a good way to help stop global warming?  Share your tips in the comments of this blog.  Whether ride sharing or replacing your light bulbs, there are lots of ways all of us can help stop global warming.