Purgatory’s season pass sale ends this Saturday, October 17. Make sure to get yours now!
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Michelle Locke and Matt Annetts win The North Face Masters of Snowboarding overall 2009 tour titles. Thousands tuned in to watch the final and super final rounds of The North Face Masters LIVE on www.thenorthfacemasters.com
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With hot action and killer conditions, groms across North America lit up Tahoe’s finest terrain this past Saturday at Kirkwood Resort for the 1st Annual Rip Curl GromSearch. When all said and done, Tre Charrette and Lexi Hooper stood on top the podium, crowned 1st annual Rip Curl GromSearch Champions.
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Accomplishments Include a 35% Reduction in Energy Use, Water Conservation Measures Resulting in a Savings of 2,000,000 Gallons, Successful Launch of Online Carpool Forum, Record-breaking Purchase of RECs, and Letter of Intent to Install 20 Wind Turbines Making Kirkwood the Industry Leader in Renewable Energy
(Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Kirkwood, Calif.) – Kirkwood has been the focus of numerous national media stories highlighting the resort’s impressive accomplishments over the course of the last year in regards to environmental initiatives, sustainability measures and ecological stewardship. Of specific interest has been Kirkwood’s plans to install twenty wind turbines capable of generating more than 20% of the energy needs of the entire Kirkwood Valley. This goal to become the leading sustainable energy producer in the ski industry has been the focus of articles recently published in Ski Area Management Magazine, Outside Magazine, Skiing, Transworld Business and numerous other media outlets. This project is one portion of the resort’s overall push to pursue renewable energy resources including its solar net-metering program, waste energy generation and adoption of biodiesel use in company vehicle fleets. In addition to these on-site improvements, the resort’s employees, passholders and guests were responsible for purchasing the second most Renewable Energy Credits in North America as part of the Bonneville Energy Foundation’s Green Tags program for ski areas. New for 2008-09, Kirkwood will be encouraging season passholders to participate in the program through the new Ski Green program. Kirkwood has also been recognized for its successful launch last season of the industry’s first online carpool forum responsible for taking more than 1,000 cars off the road. The forum enables like-minded skiers and snowboarders to coordinate with others in their area in order to save gas, reduce traffic and receive incentives from Kirkwood and its sponsors. This online technology was upgraded this offseason to be even more user-friendly and has been shared with other resorts around Lake Tahoe and Southern California. These efforts are all part of Kirkwood’s larger focus on energy and water conservation that have resulted in measurable success. The resort’s energy conservation efforts have resulted in a reduction of over 35% while its water conservation efforts have resulted in a savings of over 2,000,000 gallons. “Energy conservation, recycling and sustainable operations are truly part of the daily culture at Kirkwood for both our employees and our guests,” said Chip Seamans, General Manager at Kirkwood. “We recently enacted an incentive program for our employee housing and witnessed a 50% reduction in energy use in its first month in effect.” The resort has also continued to make significant strides in regards to ecological stewardship in the Kirkwood Valley through wetlands protection, erosion control and revegetation projects. The resort’s commitment to protect the valley water quality and aquatic resources has continued to grow through programs to control erosion and sedimentation. Water sampling for pH, turbidity and conductivity is done at five different locations along Kirkwood Creek to effectively monitor water quality. Streets are swept twice annually, storm drain systems are vacuumed out, detention basins are maintained, miles of fiber rolls have been installed and acres of land have been covered with erosion control blankets and revegetated with native plant species. “As an industry, ski resorts are inherently linked to the beauty that surrounds them,” said Dave Likins, CEO of Kirkwood Mountain Resort. “Kirkwood embraces this responsibility and places sustainable measures at the forefront of its operating plans. Working closely with the US Forest Service, NSAA and numerous governmental agencies, Kirkwood has implemented stewardship programs that address energy efficiency, waste management, recycling, pollution control, and revegetation.” The following is a detailed synopsis of Kirkwood’s environmental initiatives and sustainable measures for 2007-08:
ENERGY & WATER CONSERVATION
Energy Efficiency Retrofits
Kirkwood has completed retrofits in100% of its buildings including Red Cliffs, Mountain Club, Sun Meadows, The Lodge, Timber Creek, Kirkwood Inn, Employee Housing, Vehicle Shop and Cross Country. The resort replaced over 200 bulbs with CFBs and over 125 traditional light switches with motion sensors. These retrofits include storage closets, outdoor signage and hallway lighting. Along with light bulbs and older ballasts being replaced with energy efficient solutions, these retrofits will account for a savings of over 6,315 kWh annually. Kirkwood’s energy usage was down 35% over last year from these improvements.
Weather-stripping & Insulation
The resort has installed weather-stripping on many of its exterior doorways and replaced inefficient windows with higher insulation rated versions. Kirkwood has replaced roofs on two buildings and reinsulated its shop locations. The resort will also be installing a sealed exterior entryway to one of its daylodge doorways to create an airlock to prevent heat loss.
Heating Efficiency
Energy-efficient heating panels have been installed in employee housing units that will account for 1,000 kwh in annual savings per unit. The resort also enacted an incentive program whereby employees receive a credit towards their housing costs based on their energy conservation efforts that resulted in over a 50% reduction in usage during its first month. The resort’s employee housing has been retrofitted with water heater blankets that will equate to an annual savings of over 184 kwh in combination with low flow showerheads which will be responsible for a reduction in energy need to heat water by close to 1,104 kwh’s.
Water Conservation
Far and away, the most compelling statistic to demonstrate Kirkwood’s commitment to reducing water consumption is the resort’s overall water consumption totals. Over the last two years, the resort lowered its water consumption totals from 7 million gallons in 2005 to 5 million gallons in 2007. This means that thanks to a concerted effort between management, employees and guests, Kirkwood was able to reduce its overall water consumption by over 28% percent. Kirkwood has retrofitted over 67% of public restroom facilities with low flow toilets and emphasis remains on eventually converting all restroom fixtures with low flow applications. 100% of our on-mountain restrooms and restrooms located in temporary structures have been retrofitted with low flow toilets and sensor faucets.
Linen Reuse Program
Kirkwood’s lodging department promotes a linen reuse program encouraging guests to maximize washcloth, towel and linen use which amounts to a savings of 2,500 gallons of water annually.
RECYCLING & WASTE STREAM DIVERSION
Recycling Receptacles & Post Consumer Sorting
Kirkwood invested in numerous recycling receptacles allowing for prominent collection of glass, plastic and aluminum cans. Improving upon the post-consumer recycling process, the resort implemented a pre-sorting system whereby all recyclables are placed into blue bags prior to collection thus improving waste stream diversion rates.
Waste Stream Diversion
Kirkwood currently diverts more than 80% of its waste stream by volume of tips, nearly 120 tons, up from about 70% in 2007. This increase is due to a new company awareness campaign. Going further, the resort has extended these best management practices to residents in the entire Kirkwood Valley.
RENEWABLE ENERGY & BIODIESEL USE
Letter of Intent Signed with Synergy Power Corporation to Install Twenty Wind Turbines
Kirkwood Mountain Resort in conjunction with Mountain Utilities has signed a letter of intent with Synergy Power Corporation to install 20 wind turbines on resort property in 2009 contingent upon forest service approval. These turbines will be capable of producing 6,000 kWh/day which will equate to approximately 20% of the power consumption needs for the entire Kirkwood Valley.
Waste Heat Generation Technologies
Mountain Utilities has contracted with True Energy, Inc. to incorporate on-site Waste Heat Recovery systems for the upcoming season. These retrofits are capable of capturing wasted energy sources utilizing an Organic Rankine Cycle. This process effectively reduces the amount of fossil fuel needed to generate every kilowatt-hour of power currently being generated.
Microturbine Technology
The resort is also partnering with Mountain Utilities in the development of a 1.15 megawatt microturbine (roughly 30% of peak load) that will reduce NOx emissions by up to 92% relative to their existing EPA tier-II certified engines.
Solar Net-Metering
Kirkwood Mountain Resort currently has solar equipment installed to power on-mountain ski patrol offices and overnight facilities and it in discussions with both Sun Edison and MMA Renewables on potential solar arrays on resort parking lots. Further, the resort has also contracted with Mountain Utilities to acquire 100% of the energy being fed back into the local power company via two solar installations set up by Kirkwood Valley residents. This net metering is now working in Kirkwood and the ski company has agreed to purchase every KW hour produced by the various solar installations. The resort expects to see a significant number of homeowners join this program and the ski resort will purchase 100% of their output.
Use of Biodiesel in Company Vehicles
Kirkwood converted to biodiesel use this summer with 100% of company vehicles and on-mountain fleets now using biodiesel. Kirkwood will continue to evaluate and increase biodiesel usage in the winter while addressing concerns of gelling in cold temperatures, filter blockage issues, as well as needing new storage tanks that heat and turn the biodiesel.
Renewable Energy Credits
Kirkwood Mountain Resort purchased 1,955 Green tags from the Bonneville Foundation this season, the second most energy credits purchased by any ski resort in the U.S. This program was so successful that the Bonneville Foundation had to re-allocate credits from resorts in the surrounding region to meet Kirkwood’s demand. This represents 1,955,000 kWh which is well over 100% of the resort’s electricity consumption for lift operations of 1,663,960 kWh and more than 62% of the resort’s overall electricity consumption of 3,146,502 kWh. This was on top of 600 Green Tags purchased during the 2006-07 season.
CARPOOL FORUM & RIDESHARE PROGRAMS
Online Carpool Forum
Kirkwood implemented a pioneering carpool forum last season that received national recognition as it was responsible for taking over 1,000 cars off the road. Users of the online forum (known as the Kpool) were able to search for rides from surrounding areas with similar schedules. In conjunction with its sponsors, Kirkwood offered incentives around the resort to guests who carpooled on designated days and is planning on expanding this program for the upcoming season. This program was so well received that it qualified for state grant monies to overhaul its functionality and plans are in place for other resorts around Lake Tahoe such as Squaw Valley, Sugarbowl and Alpine Meadows to implement the program for the 2008-09 season.
Subsidized Bus & Shuttle Services
Kirkwood subsidizes a daily shuttle from South Lake Tahoe whereby guests can take advantage of a $5.00 round trip ticket price for using mass transit. Additionally, the resort partners with numerous bus companies out of both the Sacramento and San Francisco areas to offer reduced ticket rates to guests using this service. Last season, this resulted in over 80 busses with an average ridership of 40 people per bus meaning over 3,200 guests took advantage of this program.
Employee Rideshare Programs and Free Shuttle Services
Kirkwood has a carpool program in place for employees whereby individuals can qualify for up to $20.00 per day in cash credit valid around the resort for food, gas, retail items and other products. Additionally, the resort spends over $400,000 annually in subsidizing daily bus service from both South Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley area. The company also leases numerous high occupancy vehicles for use by individual departments in coordinating rides for employees in surrounding areas not served by the bus service.
SENSATIVE HABITAT AND WATER QUALITY PROTECTION
Wetlands Protection Kirkwood has already preserved over 133 acres of wetland habitat in conservation easements and is currently in the process of working with several state and federal agencies to preserve and protect in perpetuity additional acres of sensitive wetland and mountain drainage habitats in conservation easements.
Stewardship Programs
Kirkwood is developed a Stewardship Plan which defines how lands under conservation easement should be monitored and maintained. Sensitive plant and animal surveys are conducted annually to insure their protection and survival.
Water Quality
Water sampling for pH, turbidity and conductivity is done at five different locations along Kirkwood Creek to effectively monitor water quality. Streets are swept twice annually, storm drain systems are vacuumed out, detention basins are maintained, miles of fiber rolls have been installed and acres of land have been covered with erosion control blankets and revegetated with native plant species.
PREFERRED PURCHASING
Office Supplies
In 2007 Kirkwood converted 100% by volume of its food packaging to 100% biodegradable products. The resort purchases 100% recycled bags and paper products for office use and retail applications.
Food & Beverage
Kirkwood’s three main restaurants (including its two year-round options) use non-disposable utensils, dishes and glasses and the two remaining cafeteria style food service facilities use recyclable dishware. All restaurant locations now run on Apex Dish Machines which will reduce water consumption by 7,300 gallons and use 2,100 less kwh. The resort has also converted 100% of its cleaning products to environmentally friendly alternatives.
Computer Services
Our Information Technology department has replaced all CRT monitors with flat panel styles to reduce power consumption. Resort employees share printers through a network to eliminate the need for personal printers. Kirkwood now has centralized credit card systems to use PC point of sales instead of stand-alone credit card machines. The IT department has consolidated and virtualized server functions to reduce the amount of servers necessary for daily operations; this included the replacement of full-power servers with low-power consumption, solid-state devices that reduced power draw by close to 75%. Information Technologies also donates retired server UPS batteries to local solar projects.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort is becoming one of the nation’s top year-round family destination lifestyle resorts. Located only 177 miles from the Bay Area along scenic Highway 88, its base elevation of 7,800-feet, assures skiers more annual snowfall than any other Tahoe resort. An extensive master plan has been finalized to ensure its famous uncrowded retreat appeal. Kirkwood is recognized by winter purists and national media alike for the quality of its snow and terrain variety: it was ranked No. 12 in the country by Skiing Magazine (November 2006), leading South Tahoe resorts. Readers of Silicon Valley’s The Wave Magazine selected Kirkwood as Resort of Choice for Winter 2008. Known for its pristine beauty and action-packed expeditions and events, winter fun includes skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, sled dog tours, and backcountry expeditions. An ideal location for weddings and corporate meetings, the Kirkwood Village includes boutique shopping, live music and dining. Visit www.kirkwood.com.
For slope-side home options, visit The Palisades at http://www.kirkwoodpalisades.com/ or Expedition Lodge at http://www.expeditionlodge.com/ , the area’s first on-mountain private residence club.
Call Kirkwood Mountain Realty 888.593.7767 for more information.
Concerned with the effects of global warming and rising energy costs, snow sliding areas across the country are putting their money where their mouths are and building on-site renewable energy projects.
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Resort Signs Letters of Intent with Synergy Power Corporation to Construct Twenty Wind Turbines and with True Energy, Inc. to Install Waste Heat Recovery Systems
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