Sustainable Initiatives & Practices
We recognize that we work and play in a beautiful environment and are committed to operating in a responsible and sustainable fashion so future generations of mountain recreation enthusiasts may experience and enjoy this awesome mountain. As such, Mt. Hood Meadows embraces the principles of sustainable operations and development and continuously strives to take steps to become more sustainable. Consequently, Mt. Hood Meadows has established the following sustainability measures:
People/Company:
- Vision: Provide an ideal mountain resort experience while respecting Mt. Hood.
- Formed Green Team to empower employees to take collective action toward achieving sustainability.
- Seek to do business with vendors with sustainable business practices.
- Resource management including focus on reduced waste, unnecessary purchasing, fuel, electricity, water use.
Water Conservation:
- Waterless urinals / save 135,000 gallons annually / First major public installation in Oregon.
- Dishwashers save water and energy / Washing machines Use energy efficient appliances that also use less water. Energy Efficient, low water appliances used.
- Maintain strict adherence to water extraction vs. consumption analysis. Monitor closely water use to find and prevent leaks – such as a running faucet or running toilet
Energy Conservation:
- Motion sensor lighting controls shuts off lighting in unoccupied areas. Lighting controls in common areas controlled by timers / occupancy sensors and photo cells to control usage when unoccupied Energy efficient lighting.
- Seek to procure Energy Star rated appliances and electronics for all new purchases.
- Use energy efficient appliances all kitchen equipment Energy Star rated, new pilot less ranges do not waste propane overnight or between uses. Energy star rated computers and monitors.
- Offset greater than 50% of our electrical use with an investment in renewable energy through Bonneville Environmental Foundation on our way to 100% by 2011.
- Utilize an Energy Management System to efficiently manage Heating, Ventilation and Cooling systems.
New construction and remodeling:
- Green building construction standards followed including two recent new construction buildings which are LEED certified (link to LEED website)
- Commitment to use sustainable products in remodel and retrofit projects.
Transportation:
- Provide free seasonal employee bus transportation
- Employees work four day work weeks off season, reducing employee vehicle miles traveled.
- Promoting a public transit system which transports up to 25% of our guests on peak days, a percentage double that of most ski resorts. This program also offers discounted lift tickets and equipment rental packages.
- “Know Idling” Policy for company vehicles and contracted bus services to encourage idling only when necessary.
Waste Management:
- Divert material from landfill by recycling office paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass, Styrofoam, steel, aluminum, wood, rubber, used vehicle/equipment oil and more.
- Donate used building materials and fixtures to local re use centers.
- Donate used cooking oil locally to be converted into bio diesel.
Chemicals:
- Use green cleaning supplies and reduce use of conventional products (i.e. bleach) and solvents or eliminate completely.
- Use biodegradable hydraulic fluid and de-icer.
- Recycle and reuse anti-freeze onsite.
In the offices:
- Recycled content (pre and post consumer) copier paper, letterhead, business cards, etc. including use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified papers.
- Telecommute and teleconferencing reduces employee commute
- Minimize paper mailings by using electronic communications.
- Use backless ticket stock
- Reducing our paper use by offering online employment applications and accounting reporting
- Biodegradable plastic used for employee season passes and ids
Food and Beverage
- Source items from vendors who offer locally produced, natural products as much as possible
- Minimize use of food service materials such as disposable plates when possible.
- Provide re-usable china, flatware, and linens in the Alpenstube, as well as our Daycare center.
- Provide paper napkins made of post-consumer recycled paper.
- Purchase bulk quantity foods instead of single serve thereby eliminating extra packaging whenever possible, including condiments.
- Offer paper tableware made from rapidly renewable resources and corn starch cutlery which are biodegradable and compostable.
On the slopes and roads:
- Pioneered the SkiGreen offset program.
- Dedicated erosion control program including storm water and snow melt runoff management and routine repair / maintenance of erosion.
- Ongoing native seed collection and re vegetation. By collecting, growing and planting species of plants and grasses native to this environment our award winning native wildflower and grass seed revegetation program strengthens the ecosystem.
- Currently engaged in wetland restoration projects.
- Provide on hill recycling receptacles at our lifts and common areas.
- Adopted a stretch of Highway 35 and annually hold a litter pick-up event on the highway and access roads, parking lots, and slopes.
- Limit vehicle and equipment idling by promoting idling awareness education to employees and guests through our “Know Idling” policy.
You can view a special report by NetGreen News which recently featured our sustainability efforts.
Enjoy the video to find out more about Meadows sustainable initiatives.