Between now and 2011, Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort will phase in up to 100%, wind energy to support its resort operations. In 2008, MHM started matching 25 percent of its annual electricity load with the purchase of wind energy certificates from Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF). Each year until 2011, MHM will offset another 25 percent of its load until it reaches the goal of 100 percent wind power.
“Since 2002 our support of wind energy has been an important part of our identity,” said Meadows CEO, Matthew Drake. “We stepped the commitment up last ski season, and now for 2009/2010 half of our total electricity consumption will be provided from wind energy. We've set an aggressive target for reaching 100% by 2011. We believe it's the right thing to do, and the success of our SkiGreen program demonstrates that our customers are very enthusiastic about renewable energy.”
MHM was the first resort in North America to offer the SkiGreen program to its guests during the 2002/03 season. This allows guests to offset their own travel to and from the resort through purchasing wind energy offsets. MHM has been purchasing wind energy certificates since 2002 when it purchased enough renewable energy to offset operations of the Shooting Star and Vista chairlifts. This recent pledge to purchase 100 percent wind energy by 2011 demonstrates how it has grown its commitment to renewable energy over the years.
“As one of our earliest supporters and the first resort to initiate our SkiGreen program, we are thrilled to see Mt. Hood Meadows' commitment grow,” said Patrick Nye, Vice President of Sales for Bonneville Environmental Foundation.