It’s only possible with the innovation, passion and dedication of each of our employees, guests and communities around the globe.
Zero Net Emissions by 2030
As a company with locations around the globe, we are committed to measuring and eliminating our carbon footprint. We’re looking at the ways we can make the biggest difference: our overall energy use and efficiency for our electricity needs and the fuels we use.
To achieve zero net emissions by 2030, we commit to:
- Reducing electricity and natural gas use by another 15 percent – in addition to the 19 percent already achieved – by improving operating practices and investing $25 million in innovative, energy-saving projects such as low-energy snowmaking equipment, green building design and construction, and more efficient grooming practices and equipment.
Since 2008, Vail Resorts has implemented an aggressive plan to reduce its electricity and natural gas use and has already achieved a 19 percent reduction, after adjusting for acquisitions and new business locations.
- Purchasing 100 percent renewable energy equivalent to our total electrical energy use and working with utilities and local, regional and national governments to bring more renewable energy to the grids where we operate our resorts.
We are already a member of Ceres Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy as well as RE100, a global collaborative initiative of influential companies committed to using 100 percent renewable electricity.
- Investing in programs such as tree planting to offset the use of other types of energy (e.g., gasoline and diesel).
- Engaging with vendors and suppliers to identify and collaborate on opportunities for them to reduce their emissions and environmental impact.
- Providing resort guests with information and opportunities for them to reduce or offset their carbon footprint.
- Sharing our progress in achieving our "Epic Promise for a Zero Footprint" goals in an annual sustainability report following the fiscal year ending July 2018, which will follow the Global Reporting Initiative's standard.
Vail Resorts intends to achieve a 50 percent reduction in its net emissions by 2025, based on 2016 levels.
Zero Waste to Landfill by 2030
At Vail Resorts, we plan to hit our 2030 goal of zero waste to landfill by diverting 100 percent of the waste from our operations to more sustainable pathways. Currently at a 40 percent waste diversion rate across our entire operations, we have set our sights on an interim target of diverting 50 percent of our waste by 2020.
To eliminate waste from our global operations, we commit to:
- Improving our recycling and composting program.
- Engaging with vendors to reduce packaging and to source recyclable and compostable products.
- Working with local resort communities to increase options for reuse and diversion.
- Increasing awareness and engagement with employees and guests through signage, labelling and training.
Zero Operating Impact on Forests and Habitat
Managing the health and resilience of our forests and habitat is sound, long-term planning for our critical mountain environments.
To protect the beautiful environments we operate in, we commit to:
- Minimizing or eliminating the impact of any future resort development.
- Planting or restoring an acre of forest for every acre of forest displaced by our operations, with the goal of achieving improved species and age diversity, resulting in healthier, more resilient forests.
- Continuing and expanding our existing commitments to partner with and fund local organizations focused on the health of forests, habitat and wildlife. In 2016, for example, the Company contributed more than $1 million to 50 environmental stewardship projects through direct grants, the Company’s $1 guest donation initiative, and the 1% for the Forest commitment, made in partnership with the National Forest Foundation and The Nature Conservancy.
Frequently Asked Questions.