For Immediate Release
Contact:
Melissa Rock
Director of Marketing and Communications
207-647-8444, ext. 15
melissa@shawneepeak.com
Date:
October 17, 2007
Shawnee Peak Announces Environmental Initiatives
Bridgton, ME - Shawnee Peak continues to lead the way for the ski industry in terms of environmental stewardship. This year, Shawnee Peak has spent thousands of dollars with the end goal of using less energy, offsetting usage and recycling solid waste.
Shawnee Peak Strives to Become 100% Carbon Neutral
Shawnee Peak has partnered with The Conservation Fund to offset all heating oil, propane and gasoline use. The Conservation Fund will plant 675 trees on Shawnee Peak's behalf and, through a process called carbon sequestration, the trees will turn harmful carbon emissions into much-needed oxygen, cooling the planet and improving public spaces.
In addition, Shawnee Peak will donate dozens of trees to local Maine Conservation efforts for erosion control, carbon sequestration efforts and public beautification.
Energy-Efficient, Fully-Automated Snowmaking Delivery System
A major capital expense, the new Snowmaking pump delivery system is the ultimate energy-saver. While increasing uphill water capacity by as much as 40%, the 400-HP pump will actually save energy through automatic pressure controls, start/stop sequencing, programmable logic controllers and variable speed technology. In other words, the pump runs itself in the most efficient manner, depending on weather conditions and snow requirements.
Recycling, Energy Conservation, Environmental Stewardship
Through several company-wide policies, Shawnee Peak hopes to shave at least 10% from its total energy consumption and solid waste.
- High-heat hand dryers (save energy and reduce the need for paper)
- Purchase of wind energy, offsetting 100% of Shawnee Peak's electric use
- "No-idle" policy for all company vehicles
- Reduction in Lift Operation Hours to curb energy-use during slow traffic periods. (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, lifts will open at 9:30am instead of 9am)
- 100% Flourescent light bulb usage
- Major donation to The Nature Conservancy
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