Brendle Group continues to expand its sustainability services for the ski industry on a number of different fronts. This year we remain committed to supporting the Climate Challenge, a voluntary program through the National Ski Area Association (NSAA) focused on helping ski areas reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and capturing other benefits like cost savings. We look forward to working with this year’s class of Climate Challengers in reducing their impacts on climate change! This year’s class includes 11 ski areas that will join the ranks of 17 other veteran challengers. Last year’s class reported total reductions of more than 1,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions on-site through project like biodiesel use, efficient snowmaking, and lighting upgrades.

Additionally, we are pleased to be supporting NSAA’s Sustainable Slopes program, which provides an overarching framework for ski area sustainability and environmental performance. The 2014 recipient of Brendle Group’s Sustainable Slopes grant is Stevens Pass ski area. Stevens Pass is no stranger to sustainability – in 2012 the area was honored with the 2012 Golden Eagle Award for Environmental Excellence from NSAA – the first mountain resort in the state of Washington to receive such recognition. Brendle Group is excited to work with Stevens Pass on analyzing the return on investment of their sustainability efforts and identifying even more opportunities for efficiency and cost savings at the resort.

Based on our work with other ski resorts, we know that the opportunities for savings and enhanced sustainability can be tremendous. For example, Canyons Report, our grant recipient last year, has potential to save approximately $44,000 annually from reduced energy use. This would entail approximately $140,000 in upfront costs, but when also factoring in potential rebates of up to $29,000 for those investments, the payback period would be reduced to 4 years. Look for the grant program again next year and encourage your favorite ski area to apply.

Beyond the grant program, we are currently working with Taos Ski Valley and Steamboat Ski Resort on developing sustainability management plans and identifying similar cost and energy savings and opportunities. Please contact us if you are interested in having Brendle Group help elevate sustainability on your slopes!