Shawnee Peak Announces Environmental Initiatives for 2008-09
Date: September 26, 2008
Bridgton, ME – Shawnee Peak continues to lead the way for the ski industry in terms of environmental stewardship. This year, Shawnee Peak has spent thousands of dollars with the end goal of using less energy, offsetting usage and recycling solid waste.
Shawnee Peak Offsets more than 800 Tons of Carbon
Shawnee Peak has partnered with The Royal River Youth Conservation Corps (RRYCC) to plant more than 600 trees to offset carbon emissions from mountain operations – including heating oil, propane and gasoline use. Through a process called carbon sequestration, the trees will turn harmful carbon emissions into much-needed oxygen, cooling the planet and improving public spaces.
The RRYCC planted the trees in July 2008 at the mountain of the Royal River in North Yarmouth, Maine.
100% High-Efficiency Snow Guns
A major capital expense, all new high-efficiency snowmaking guns are the ultimate energy-saver. Snowmaking operations use the most energy on the mountain. By replacing more than 75 older, smaller, low-efficiency snow guns with 60 larger, high-efficiency guns, Shawnee Peak will be able to make more snow at higher temperatures, using up to 25% less fuel!
In addition, all snowmaking pumps (which are the largest users of diesel fuel) have been converted to variable speed drives to reduce consumption by up to 30%.
The New Great Room Features Solar Energy Use
The brand new Base Lodge Great Room, which will increase indoor seating by up to 25%, will features all-glass exterior walls, for incredible mountain views and to take advantage of solar energy. By spending more one glass walls (versus traditional building materials), Shawnee Peak will reduce the amount of heating fuel needed for the room.
Other Green Initiatives at Shawnee Peak
- Special parking for Hybrid Vehicles. Drive your Prius and park in the front row!
- Online carpooling system – Shawnee Peak will encourage carpooling to the mountain by adopting the GOMaine commuter software.
- New Propane furnace for the Base Lodge, which is better for air quality.
- Major donations to the Nature Conservancy and Loon Echo Land Trust
