WHISTLER, British Columbia (BRAIN)—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,” said 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 percent. 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.
