Protect Our Playground
Boyne Mountain is making strides in reducing the resort's environmental impact at every level of resort operations. We've established an organizing committee, methodology, and objectives to offset all on-site greenhouse gases, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and invest in renewable energy. Our ForeverProject is about accountability and the understanding of environmental impacts through reporting and training, as well as the action to achieve our goals.
First Steps in 2020
In 2020, our resort upgraded the Menerga computer system in Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark to allow more control of energy usage with this deeply programmed technology. In doing so, this not only provides a significant cost savings of electric and gas, but allow us to operate at a higher level of efficiency while reducing consumption.
What's Next?
Preparations are underway for a solar array installation by a CMS Energy subsidiary at Boyne Mountain Resort. The 1.7-megawatt system stands to power the equivalence of the resort’s 300+ homes and condominiums, and is the first of its size for Boyne Resorts. Solar is a resource of strong interest and this project is to serve as a pilot for potential installations at locations across the resort network.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Mindful Efficiency
Create and maintain a culture of reduction: energy use, waste output, water impact; balanced with maximized utilization of our human, technological, natural, and financial resources.
Tireless Conservation
Protect the natural environment unwaveringly, ensuring proper use for purposes related to outdoor recreation, and preserving or rehabilitating the land over which we are stewards.
INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION
Support and reward outreach and partnerships that extend beyond all traditional boundaries, providing deeply valuable impact among our team members, and in our communities, industry, and environment for the long term.
NET ZERO EMISSIONS
-
COLLABORATE WITH LOCAL/REGIONAL UTILITIES SUPPLIERS TO IDENTIFY AND ACT UPON OPPORTUNITIES OF EVERY SCALE TO REDUCE ENERGY AND FUEL USE -
ENGAGE EXPERTS AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS TO HELP CHART A PATH TOWARD A FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS -
FULLY IMMERSE NET ZERO INTENTIONS, TACTICS, AND TARGETS INTO THE COMPANY’S CULTURE -
THOROUGHLY AND CONTINUOUSLY EDUCATE TEAM MEMBERS ON THE PURPOSE AND SPECIFIC PLANS, THE NECESSITY OF THEIR SUPPORT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE WORKPLACE, AND THE VALUE OF THEIR INPUT AND IDEAS -
PURCHASE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY WHERE AVAILABLE AND PARTICIPATION WITH LOCAL/REGIONAL GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT AVAILABLE IN EACH RESORT COMMUNITY -
FURTHER REDUCE ELECTRICITY USE THROUGH FOCUSED AND ONGOING REVISION OF RESORT OPERATIONS PRACTICES IN AREAS SUCH AS SNOWMAKING, SNOW GROOMING, AND TURF MAINTENANCE -
CONTINUED ENHANCEMENT OF LOW-ENERGY AND PROPRIETARY SNOWMAKING EQUIPMENT -
PURCHASE OF ONLY THE MOST ENERGY EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT, SYSTEMS, AND TECHNOLOGY AT ALL LEVELS OF THE OPERATION; UPGRADING AS POSSIBLE -
UTILIZE GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITY AND REAL ESTATE PROJECTS -
REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON NATURAL GAS -
FORMALIZE THE COMPANY’S HISTORICAL COMMITMENT TO PLANTING TREES AS A MEANS OF OFFSETTING ENERGY USE
OFFSET YOUR TRIP
Offset your trip to Boyne Mountain with help from our partner, Tradewater.
NET ZERO EMISSIONS
Boyne Resorts’ operations throughout North America will achieve 100% renewable energy for the 2020/21 Winter season and will maintain a commitment to clean power into the future.
- By sourcing a global purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs), all resorts and city facilities will reach 100% clean power
- Early 2021 installation of a large-scale solar array at Boyne Mountain Resort in Michigan will serve as a pilot for installation projects to take place at multiple locations in the resort network
- Strengthening relationships with suppliers committed to renewable energy becomes a priority along with guiding the outlying suppliers to develop and execute timely plans for use of clean power
NSAA CLIMATE CHALLENGE
Led by National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Climate Challenge is a voluntary program dedicated to helping participating ski areas target and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, engage in advocacy on climate change solutions, and reap other benefits in their operations, such as reducing costs for energy use. Each of our nine ski resorts is Benefits include access to formal training and tools to conduct a GHG inventory and identify opportunities for reductions and savings, and the ability to benchmark operations against others.
Participation requires endorsement of NSAA’s Sustainable Slopes program including a pledge to the following, as well as prioritized focus on areas such as water, waste, transportation, design and construction, forest health and habitat, and supply chain:
-
Incorporate sustainability into all aspects of our resorts
-
Lead by example, and educate employees and guests about sustainability
-
Place collaboration over competition when it comes to sustainability
- Advocate for climate protection
The company notes its pledge to environmental sustainability must be balanced with maintaining economical sustainability and regards the balance as foundational in all planning. Understanding the dire need to place greater focus on reducing its carbon footprint, Boyne Resorts’ plans and execution will continue to evolve and also include sustainable practices related to waste reduction, reuse of materials, and limiting impact to the treasured land, habitats, and natural resources at its resort playgrounds.
