Alta, Wyo. (October 23, 2006) –
Grand Targhee Resort announced today that the company will offset 100 percent of its energy use by purchasing 10,500 megawatt-hours of renewable energy over the next three years.
Prior to this, Targhee was purchasing 25% of its electricity using green power.
Grand Targhee's Green Tag purchase is through a partnership with Bonneville Environmental Foundation’s SkiGreen™ program that provides clean energy options throughout the snow-sports industry.
Grand Targhee’s Green Tag purchase is another major step toward the resort’s proven commitment to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into every aspect of its operations. Contact Grand Targhee for a brochure on their sustainable operations or download at www.GrandTarghee.com and learn more about Grand Targhee’s new Sustainability Charter that includes initiatives such as using bio-diesel to fuel resort shuttle buses, groomers and snow removal equipment and, a recently installed a 660-watt photovoltaic system on the side of its Ski & Snowboard School building.
“Partnering with SkiGreen allows us to actively participate in protecting our environment and shift to an energy system based on domestic renewable sources,” said Geordie Gillett, owner of Grand Targhee Resort.
In the past three years, Targhee has contributed almost $600,000 in cash and in-kind donations to local non-profit organizations and has dedicated staff time and funding for on-going programs such as the Targhee Institute’s Environmental Foundation that was established to support environmental programs in Teton Valley. Gillett continues, ”Grand Targhee’s plan for a sustainable future will ultimately depend on the success of the region to embrace sustainable decision making priorities. In addition to our improvements to onsite operations, Targhee is fully committed to working with our town and county planners to help build capacity for regional sustainability.”
“Grand Targhee’s extensive environmental commitment to operate a sustainable resort is a natural fit for our SkiGreen program,” said Patrick Nye of the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. “Supporting 100% green power makes Grand Targhee part of a growing number of resorts that support this level of renewable energy and demonstrates the industry’s leadership in the prevention of climate-altering emissions.”
BEF Green Tags, also called renewable energy credits, offset the global warming pollution impacts of conventional electricity generation, air and ground travel. Green Tags are created when renewable energy sources – such as solar and wind power – are substituted for energy traditionally generated by burning fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas. All of BEF's Green Tag products are independently certified by Green-e® as sourced from 100 percent new renewable energy projects.
About Grand Targhee Resort
Grand Targhee Resort is a full-service, year-round resort located in Alta, Wyoming. Situated on the western slope of the Teton Mountains, Grand Targhee is located in the Caribou-Targhee National forest, and adjacent to the Jedediah Smith Wilderness Area. Famous for abundant snowfall, over 500 inches annually, Grand Targhee offers a multitude of activities for the entire family. For more information, visit www.GrandTarghee.com or call 1-800-TARGHEE. Grand Targhee celebrates its 37th year of operation when it opens for winter operation on November 17th (conditions permitting).
About SkiGreen
SkiGreen is a partnership between the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) and leaders in the snow-sports industry in order to build support for non-polluting renewable sources of power (such as wind and solar energy). Ski areas depend on a reliable snow-pack to provide their guests with a high quality winter-sports experience, but air pollution, primarily from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, is causing unseasonably warmer temperatures, reduction in snow-pack levels and ultimately lower quality ski conditions over fewer ski days. BEF is a national non-profit foundation dedicated to reducing the impacts of climate change by changing the way energy is produced. Our ski area partners and resort guests play a critical role in getting that mission accomplished. Visit www.SkiGreen.org for more information.
About the Bonneville Environmental Foundation
The Bonneville Environmental Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 1998 and was a pioneer in developing the market for renewable energy certificates, which it calls Green Tags. BEF reinvests all the net revenues from Green Tags sales in support of its mission, which funds solar power systems for schools and businesses, wind power systems for farms and ranches, and restoration efforts for salmon-bearing streams. Visit www.GreenTagsUSA.org to learn what individuals, utilities, and businesses are doing to increase the use of wind and solar power in our nation’s electricity grids.
