Vail Resorts Announces Major Sustainability Improvements

Ski resorts use a lot of energy! Vail Resorts photo.

Vail Resorts is making major strides towards its ‘Commitment to Zero’ goal, announcing on Nov. 13 that it will be overhauling its dishware at all North American locations, as well as signing a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Lincoln Clean Energy.

Related: Vail Mountain’s Expansion Approved by Forest Service

In order to reduce waste from its properties, Vail is working with Eco Products to replace its conventional plastics (like cups, straws, plates, or cutlery) with recycled and compostable alternatives, a plan expected to reduce waste sent to landfills by nearly 300 tons. While Vail is a long way from reaching its goal of ‘Zero Waste’ by 2030, this is a step in the right direction.

Additionally, Vail inked a 12-year, 310,000 MWh contract which is expected to offset 100 percent of the emissions associated with its FY2019 electricity consumption. The agreement enables the development of Lincoln Clean Energy's Plum Creek Wind project, expected to be completed in 2020. The 230MW project will power up to 100,000 U.S. homes, and is part of a nationwide move towards wind energy spurred by rapidly declining prices.  On top of the $2.4 million in energy efficiency-related improvements which Vail has completed in the past few years, this will help Vail achieve its goal of net-zero emissions across its resorts and give credibility to its environmentally-friendly image.

For more information: Vail Resorts Press Release