Sustainable Slopes - Keep Winter Cool
The environmental charter for ski areas
Why is it important?
What we're doing
Snow Guns and Snow Fencing
Energy Use
How you can help
Ten simple ways to keep winter cool
Why it's important - our winter wonderland is warming
The snow is an integral part of our lives, and we want to keep it that
way for future generations.
The trouble is, things are heating up out there. Scientific predictions
are that global warming will bring less snowfall, and shorter ski and snowboard
seasons - and that would put a serious dent in our winter adventures!
Most scientists agree the reason is carbon dioxide discharge, primarily
from fossil fuel consumption, which ultimately creates a layer of pollution that
prevents heat from escaping from our planet. By now most skiers and riders know
(unlike George Bush’s scientists!) that climate change is happening right
now and doesn’t just mean bad snow by 2050 and none by 2100. It will mean
changes in every aspect of our daily lives. If we don’t take radical
action now to reduce global warming and pollution in the next decade, we will
soon be living in a planet completely unrecognizable to us. If carbon dioxide
emissions aren’t cut soon, we can expect major downstream headaches.
Solving and slowing global warming is probably humanities greatest ever
challenge, with the payoff a stable and safe sustainable world. We can fix the
problem, as long as we start now. That’s why NZSki Ltd has teamed up with
the Natural Resources Defense Council and the National Ski Areas Association to
Keep Winter Cool.
Caring for our planet and ensuring snow for future generations are
responsibilities we all share. The good news is that by using new,
less-polluting technologies and conserving energy -- as many ski areas are doing
-- we can keep winter cool. But urgent action is required: it will take a
concerted effort from all of those with a stake in winter to turn things around.
If not us, then who?
What we're doing
NZSki Ltd. is committed to modeling our behaviour on the principles of
sustainable development. Climate change is a widely accepted phenomena and the
ski industry is perceived as one of the most threatened. By adjusting business
practice to try and make a difference, we hope to lead the way in sound
responsible environmental business practice.
Our sustainability vision:
To provide exceptional recreational opportunities for guests and
employees taking the utmost care and commitment to environmental protection and
stewardship. To work in conjunction with our suppliers and local government
officials to conserve, recycle, reuse and utilize renewable resources in our
daily operations. To plan responsible future growth within our community to
guarantee protection of our natural resources for future generations.
- We will lead ski area environmental management and business
sustainability and be an advocate for 'green' business practice.
- To listen and respond to customer demands particularly related to
sustainable business practice.
- Involve the local community in our environmental programmes and make
them personally rewarding.
- To listen to all staff about how we could do things better.
- To create initiatives and opportunities for sustainable business
through inspired leadership.
Snow Guns and Snow Fencing
NZSki undertakes a variety of practices to ensure the sustainability of the ski
field for the whole of winter, employing best practice snow making, snow
grooming and snow farming techniques prior to and throughout the season.
Tower mounted snow guns, increase productivity by 35% using the same
volume of water as any other gun type.
Snow grooming is done in an environmentally sensitive way, including the
use of winch cats where possible. Snow farming is also used to capture the
maximum amount of snow during storms (eg. on the Summit) where it can then be
re-distributed to high-traffic areas (eg. sun facing runs).
Energy Use
The NZSki Resort Management and Board has a mandate that dictates all new
developments within the resort must adhere to at least a five star energy rating
or it will not be approved. This will ensure the long-term success of our 3
premier resorts as an energy-efficient tourist destination.
Patrons are also encouraged to use less energy when visiting the resort,
with a list of energy-saving tips at each property. Developing stronger consumer
awareness of energy use is one of the principles of the Keep Winter Cool
initiative.
Green choices are smarter choices.
At Coronet Peak
- The key focus areas for Coronet Peak is sustainable land use
(reservoirs, native vegetation), construction that is sympathetic to the
natural landform, energy use and by association, carbon emissions.
- Making use of the recycling facilities that are now available in
Queenstown.
- Water Recycling Project - Coronet Peak's new base building and
snowmaking layout captures water & snow melt and recycles it into our
reservoirs for use by our snow making plant.
- Coronet Peak will be the first NZ resort to make snow from 95%
recycled water. The recent project has seen the construction of high-altitude
water storage reservoirs which, at 1200m above sea level, keeps the water at
about 0C, making it 20% more efficient for snowmaking than if it were to be
taken elsewhere.
- Currently investigating alternative energy & fuel sources as well
as revegetation programs and working with local advisory bodies such as
Sustainable Wanaka
At Mt Hutt
- Making use of the recycling facilities that are now available in
Methven.
At The Remarkables
- Making use of the recycling facilities that are now available in
Queenstown.
How you can help
Fight Ignorance - educate yourself
The
latest Myths and Facts on Global warming
The
Scientific Consensus on Climate Change
Change your daily life - the little things you can do
to help.
Ten simple ways to keep winter cool:
- Reduce energy used for transport.
- Share a ride or take a bus to the snow and to work.
- Turn off lights and appliances when at home or on holiday
It is best to turn them off at the powerpoint.
- Purchase energy efficient appliances.
Choose the highest energy-efficient star-rating and use compact fluorescent
lights.
- Cut hot water consumption. Wash clothes in cold water, fit
water-efficient shower heads, and install a solar water heater.
- Eco-buy.
Purchase greenhouse friendly products from local sources.
- Support renewable energy sources.
Switch to Green Power with your electricity supplier.
- Plant a tree.
Trees take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle.
Reducing waste reduces landfill and thus reduces production of the greenhouse
gas methane.
- Skiers/Riders Guests of NZSki's have the opportunity to contribute $3
to the www.keepwintercool.co.nz buy purchasing an arm band. Monies go to the
revegitation program for Coronet Peak.
Spread the word - cool global warming and keep winter cool.
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