Copper Mountain is committed to minimizing the environmental impacts of its operations by working with the resort community to create new initiatives for the foreseeable future. Copper's 2007 Environmental Report can be read in full here.
Copper recognizes that our environment is our most important asset. We cherish the outdoors and respect the alpine environment in which we live and work. We are committed to improving environmental stewardship in all aspects of our business and managing our resort for continued enjoyment by future generations. Copper's environmental initiatives are outlined below.
- Employee Fund: Copper has created an employee environmental fund. Voluntary contributions from employees will be matched by Copper and the money will be granted to local non-profit or tax-exempt groups conducting youth-focused community environmental projects.
- Energy Conservation: Copper has initiated an energy conservation program in the Edge, a building which houses more than 400 employees each winter. The program will focus on educating employees on ways they can conserve energy everyday.
- Supporting Renewable Energy: Copper will continue to purchase renewable energy credits to offset 100% of electricity utilized to run snowmaking, lifts and all Copper-owned buildings.
- Fuel Efficiency: Copper operates three Cobus 3000s, which are environmentally-friendly buses that are nearly 60% more efficient than our other buses. Copper has also reduced its snowmobile fuel consumption by 40% in the past two years. Additionally, Copper is switching its snowmobile fleet to four-strokes over the next several years, and 14 of 44 snowmobiles are currently four-strokes.
- Local Forest Conservation: Local forest conservation plays a large role in Copper's Environmental Program. Copper will continue to raise funds through the Ski Area Contribution Program, support local conservation groups including Friends of the Dillon Ranger District and maintain the local Wheeler Lakes Trail through the Adopt-a-Trail program. The Ski Area Contribution Program granted more than $75,000 since its inception in November 2006.
- Recycling: Increased recycling will continue to be a priority with plans to add several independent businesses and pilot a guest recycling program in The Cirque. Copper also purchases 30% post-consumer recycled paper for all of its offices.
- Education and Awareness: Copper believes that raising awareness and helping to educate employees and guests about resort-based environmental programs will help to positively influence action to protect the environment.
- Jen Schenk, Copper Environmental Manager, participated in the forum on Climate Change hosted by Our Future Summit on Nov. 8, 2007
- Copper Mountain supports state and federal legislation to reduce carbon emissions. Copper supports the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization's Colorado Climate Project and Governor Bill Ritter's climate action plan to reduce energy and fuel consumption. On a national level, Copper supports the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, which is endorsed by the National Ski Area Association and the National Resources Defense Council.
