Reference no: EM133030503

Answer the questions below:

1. What can other resorts and destinations learn from the example set by Whistler Blackcomb in terms of its environmental management programs?
2. For ski resorts, what are the special challenges faced with environmental management programs?
3. What are the long-term benefits for Whistler Blackcomb in following its principles of environmental management?
4. Which other tourism developments have exemplary environmental management programs and what are these programs?

When responding to the above questions, consider the characteristics of hospitality and the nature of tourism.

Quick Trip 6.1: Whistler Code of Ethics

Whistler Blackcomb is a major ski resort located near Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. The most recent accomplishments of Whistler Blackcomb and what sets it apart from other resorts are itemized below:

• The numbers: Most skier visits, skiable terrain, vertical drop in North America
• The product: #1 ranked resort in North America (Condé Nast Traveler Reader Poll)
• The service: #1 ranked resort in Canada (RRC Associates, Inc.)
• The asset: irreplaceable marquee resort
• The guests: diversified loyal guest base
• The team: experienced and professional management team

Despite these successes, according to the resort's management team, sustainability is at the top of its agenda:

Our mission is to become the most sustainable mountain resort operator in the world. Our environmental and economic performance will be heavily weighted on how we protect our ecosystems and address climate change. Environmental issues are business opportunities. Similar to health care, early detection, and response to problems reduces costs. Early response to opportunities reduces the severity of our impacts on the natural environment and generates revenue as a market leader. This is a refreshing outlook from such a large resort operation. Whistler Blackcomb not only carefully tracks its visitor volumes but also its sustainability and environmental results: 

• 18 - the number of awards won for Whistler Blackcomb's sustainability programs since 1998
• 46 - The number of local projects the Environmental Fund has sponsored
• 200 tonnes of emissions reduced per year through employee carpooling program
• 18 - the percentage of fuel saved per hour by new grooming fleets
• 4.5 million - kilowatt-hours of power savings annually through Power Smart partnership with BC Hydro
• 11,000 - number of light bulbs changed to more efficient models

Whistler Blackcomb had the honor of being selected as one of Canada's greenest employers in 2009. Some of the initiatives and reasons why Whistler Blackcomb was selected included:

• Whistler Blackcomb established an environmental management strategy in 1992 with the goal of developing a model of environmental and social stewardship for ski and mountain resort operations.
• Whistler Blackcomb has built a $32 million hydro-electric plant inside its ski area that produces more than enough clean electricity for all of its operations, offset over 11,000 tonnes of carbon, and make the ski resort better than carbon neutral as of December 2009 when it began operating link to ROR.
• Whistler Blackcomb introduced aggressive recycling and composting programs in 2005, with the goal of achieving a 75 percent reduction in waste this year in its massive food and beverage operations (which includes 18 restaurants).
• Whistler Blackcomb added a full-time Environmental Coordinator position to manage the company's many onsite initiatives as it works towards the goal of zero waste.
• Whistler Blackcomb recently installed light timers, temperature control, and energy-efficient light bulbs in the majority of its facilities.
• Over 40 employees participate in a carpool program that utilizes five company vehicles and is estimated to save 64,000 km of driving -- equaling a reduction of over 200 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
• Through its Operation Green-Up program, the company has spent $1.5 million since 1999 in a variety of efforts to enhance the natural environment, including projects to limit erosion in watersheds, protect drinking water, and apply planting strategies that reintroduce native species and seed mix to support wildlife.
• Whistler Blackcomb works closely with the Habitat Improvement Team, a local community organization, in their efforts to protect, restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitat in the Whistler area as well as partnering with local government and other area businesses in developing a comprehensive community sustainability plan (called Whistler 2020).
• Whistler Blackcomb trains employees on best environmental practices and hosts ecology and wildlife viewing tours for visitors in addition to showcasing its environmental initiatives through over 50 interpretive sites throughout the resort property.