ForeverProject
OUR COMMITMENT TO NET ZERO EMISSIONS & BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW
Boyne Resorts and The Summit recognize human-driven climate change as an urgent issue for the world, as well as for the Snow Sports industry. In early 2021, we formalized commitments to climate action and announced our ForeverProject.
ForeverProject is an initiative to attain a sustainable tomorrow through collaboration by positively affecting the lasting impact our resorts, team members, and guests have on the planet.
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- Power all operations with 100% clean electricity
- Reduce dependence on carbon-based fuels in existing buildings through energy efficiency upgrades and electrification
- Develop and implement high-efficiency green building standards for design and construction of new facility and real estate projects
- Upgrade our lift networks, installing the most technologically advanced lifts, and enhancing the energy efficiency of lift houses
- Install low-energy equipment while expanding snowmaking
- Add on-site renewable energy generation projects
- Monitor emerging technologies to identify opportunities to maximize efficiency and electrification of fleet vehicles and equipment
- Seek partnerships with local and/or meaningful programs to sequester carbon
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- Expand composting for both pre and post-consumer streams at all locations
- Enhance recycling and continue to provide a community recycling center through King County partnership
- Partner with local and non-profit organizations like SecondUse, Habitat for Humanity, and SWAG to donate furniture, uniforms, and generally useable items
- Continue to compost on-site through investment in industrial composting machine from BioCoTech
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- Plan and lead community environmental clean-ups with local partners throughout the spring, summer, and fall
- Protect and limit disturbances to wildlife habitats, forests, and wetland ecosystems
- Conserve water through efficiency upgrades and utilizing recycled water where possible
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- Educate team members on the purpose of specific plans and encourage their input and ideas through ForeverProject Team meetings and department round tables
- Be a leader in the community, educating guests and about sustainability and welcoming their participation in initiatives
- Advocate at local, regional, and national levels for policies that promote climate solutions through local legislative processes and national advocacy groups and non-profits
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- Invest in Team Member housing to address local housing shortages
- Encourage and provide options to team members to utilize sustainable modes of transportation
- Develop great people
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- Promote carpooling and sustainable transportation options to and from our properties by working with local bus companies and public transit agencies to provide future opportunities
- Collaborate with local and regional non-profits, government agencies, and community organizations
- Work with The WAVE non-profit to support and encourage the development of an equitable regional food marketplace
- Serve on community educational boards and develop meaningful career pathway opportunitites
Current Projects
On-Site Composting
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
In 2022 we installed a new BioCoTech on-site composter to reduce waste, reduce trips by large trucks to the mountain, and create a full-circle solution that provides a resource for local farmers as well.
LED Slope Lighting
ENERGY REDUCTION
Each year we continue to replace on-mountain lighting with low energy LED fixtures. The Holiday pod, Central Express lift line, and Silver Fir Express lift line are all currently LED, with more on the way each year.
Joining The Challenge
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Our PledgeThe Summit has joined the challenge to evaluate our footprint, gain knowledge, and take action.
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GHG InventoryCalculating our Greenhouse Gas Emissions is the first step toward neutralizing our carbon footprint.
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EMBEDDED VALUESIncorporating sustainability into all aspects of our resort is essential for improvement.
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EducationLeading by example, educating employees and guests about sustainability and how they can help.
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CollaborationPlacing collaboration over competition, we seek to elevate our efforts by sharing knowledge and tactics.
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.