At the same time as Earth Day was celebrated across the globe, Whistler Blackcomb was named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the second year in a row.

“We are thrilled to accept this award on behalf of our 3,800 employees,” says Dave Brownlie, President and Chief Operating Officer at Whistler Blackcomb. “This recognition could not be possible without the dedication, passion and commitment our staff and guests have shown to reducing waste and conserving energy. This is an award that we all can be proud of.”

Whistler Blackcomb participates in innovative renewable energy projects and encourages its staff and guests to become environmental stewards. The company received special recognition for its involvement in the Fitzsimmons Creek Run-of-River project.

Located in the middle of the ski area underneath the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, this hydro-powered renewable energy plant became operational earlier this year. This project, created in partnership with Innergex Renewable Energy and Ledcor Power Group, produces enough energy to match the total annual energy consumption of the ski area’s operating footprint (including lifts, mountain restaurants, and snowmaking).

In just one year from 2008 to 2009, Whistler Blackcomb’s food and beverage division, which includes 18 restaurants, reduced its waste by 75 per cent.

Meanwhile, Whistler Blackcomb staff participate in a range of environmental programs, carpooling groups, energy conservation programs and community efforts, such as the Habitat Improvement Team (HIT). To date, Whistler Blackcomb employees have also donated $250,000 to the Whistler Blackcomb Environment Fund, which funds green projects in the community.

“We are very grateful and inspired by the recognition,” says Arthur DeJong, Whistler Blackcomb’s Mountain Planner and Environmental Resource Manager. “Of course, with this award comes the humility of knowing we have so much further to go.”

This year, The Globe and Mail newspaper has published a national report on the nation’s most environmentally conscious employers in celebration of Earth Day. The Greenest Employers are also recognized online at Eluta.ca.

www.whistlerblackcomb.com