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News for the Hospitality Executive |
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Vermont's Stowe Mountain Resort Becomes First in
North America to
Earn Audubon Sustainable Community Certification
.
 Stowe, VT (March 2010) – Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont
has earned the Sustainable Community Certification from Audubon
International, becoming the first ski resort in the U.S. to merit this
environmental achievement. Members of Audubon International’s
Sustainable Communities Program are eligible for certification, which
recognizes dedication to the process of becoming a more sustainable
community and beginning to act on a sustainability plan. The plan
covers 15 focus areas, and members must choose timelines and measurable
goals. Once progress is documented, members become certified.“As the first Private Sector Track member to receive the Audubon International Sustainable Community Certification, Stowe Mountain Resort has demonstrated a strong commitment to the ideals of sustainability – economic vitality, environmental protection, and social responsibility,”says Suzi Zakowski, Manager of the Sustainable Communities Program. “With the surrounding natural landscape of Northern Vermont and a rich heritage, Stowe Mountain Resort has much to celebrate. The strong environmental commitment is to evident employees, guests and the surrounding community.” Stowe Mountain Resort’s accomplishments include: Food Sourcing - The Resort has championed to support local farmers and community supported agriculture in food operations resort wide and the local economy by reducing reliance on food that increases the carbon footprint of the resort by using local products whenever possible. To date, 83% of vendors provide 100% locally produced agricultural, artisanal and other similar products that are produced locally. Rural heritage - To maintain the “look and feel” of Mt. Mansfield and the Smugglers Notch region, Stowe Mountain Resort has worked with Vermont Land Trust, Vermont Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks & Recreation, and Audubon International to utilize only a small percentage of available land in its development efforts. Economic Development & Tourism - The Resort provides outdoor educational experience and training for resort guests, hosts an annual on site fieldtrip and workshop focused on water quality management for the Stowe Elementary School fifth grade class, and ensures 39% of all SMR vendors outside of food and beverage are located in New England and Vermont. Outreach and Education - In 2009, the Resort established an Environmental Advisory Committee to assist the resort’s Planning Director with the identification of potential additional environmental actions. Over 20 Articles have been published in the internal newsletter for employees. The Employee Handbook has been revised to include more content describing the resort’s environmental efforts. SMR currently partners with groups to provide access for environmental education forums and public seminars (such as birding events, Stowe Garden Fest, and nature walks). Environment and Wildlife - Through partnerships with the Vermont Agency Natural Resources, The University of Vermont, and the Green Mountain Club, the ridgeline of Mount Mansfield is managed and used for research by the university environmental professors and students. Over 2,000 acres of natural habitat has been conserved; 10 acres are summit terrain, which is highly specific breeding ground for Bicknell’s Thrush. Peregrine Falcons, Moose, and Bear are other major species that are being protected through these conserved acres. Water Quality - The resort has seen annual improvements in the water quality of its streams and conducts quarterly monitoring of selected stream segments. Current storm water runoff from the development area is collected, stored, and reused for both snowmaking and golf course irrigation. The mountain trail system is managed under management plan directed at improving the hydrologic characteristics of the trail system. Energy and Resource Use Efficiency - Since 2000, SMR has installed energy efficiency improvements that are resulting in annual electrical use savings of 8,033,645 kW per year, or enough power to support 715 homes annually. Purchasing policies have been established that place a priority on the purchase of sustainable products. Transportation - The resort established in 2009 an employee ride share program that enables employees to park in lots located at the base of the mountain if they travel with 3 or more individuals. SMR is exploring ride share programs for its guests and contributed $40,000 for the operation of the municipal public Mountain Road Trolley system which experienced a 7% increase in ridership in 2009. Waste Reduction - The new Spruce Camp Base Lodge established a food composting program for its kitchen and is currently expanding this program to its public areas. In 2009, the SMR/SML food composting program resulted in a landfill diversion rate of over 84% for the new Stowe Mountain Lodge. Audubon Members maintain their certification in the Sustainable Communities Program by demonstrating continuous progress towards goals in the plan under fifteen focus areas complete with a detailed set of sustainability indicators. For more information about sustainable community efforts, visit www.auduboninternational.org or www.sustainablecommunityinitiative.org. About Audubon International Audubon International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) environmental education organization dedicated to providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources, thus leading to more sustainable communities. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, services, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, properties, new developments, and entire communities. Through the Community Engagement, Planning & Action Initiative, and the Sustainable Communities Program, Audubon International works to help community leaders and stakeholders embrace environmental stewardship and sustainability as a central element of planning, policies, and practices. About Stowe Mountain Resort Stowe Mountain Resort is enjoying a dramatic resurgence fueled by Spruce Peak at Stowe, a new slopeside community and enhancements to the resort area encompassing legendary Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Planning and development stages have been ongoing for the past 17 years. Spruce Peak at Stowe features fine residences for purchase, a new luxury hotel called Stowe Mountain Lodge, a world-class spa and wellness center, an 18-hole mountain golf course, dining, retail, swimming plaza and a performing arts center scheduled to open later in 2010. The environmentally sound development broke-ground in 2003 and is concentrated on only 35 of 2,000 pristine acres. Stowe Mountain Lodge is the centerpiece of Spruce Peak at Stowe. Guests of Stowe Mountain Lodge enjoy superlative service, a 21,000-square-foot Spa and Wellness Center, ski-in/ski-out access to over 100 legendary trails, exclusive access to Stowe Mountain Golf Club, an 18-hole mountain golf course designed by Bob Cupp, and a heated outdoor pool. The property offers more than 12,000 square feet of event space, as well as high-end boutiques, restaurants and limitless on-mountain recreational options. The Lodge offers farm-to-table cuisine in Solstice restaurant and Hourglass bar. In addition, 34 fractionally-owned condominium units are available for vacation home ownership in the Lodge’s Front Four Private Residence Club. The addition of the new Spruce Peak base area, an inter-mountain transfer gondola, new trails, new mountainside restaurants, new winter and summer attractions and spectacular guest amenities have reinforced Stowe Mountain Resort’s position as the East’s premier ski and four-season mountain resort. For more information about Stowe Mountain Resort and Spruce Peak at Stowe please visit www.stowe.com and www.sprucepeak.com . |
| Contact:
Jeff Wise |