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Environmental ProgramsPlans are underway to develop brand-wide environmental initiatives focusing on enhancing the guest experience and upholding the RockResorts standard of luxury while balancing environmental impacts. Targeted programs include: EcoRock Rooms & Green HousekeepingRockResorts is committed to transitioning its current guestrooms to EcoRock Rooms in each hotel by building on a 10-point program that will feature the following sustainable elements: in-room recycling; towel and linen reuse, recycled content paper products; sheets and towels made from organic cotton; limited or no use of disposable products; environmentally preferable cleaning products, custom formulated natural and refillable amenities; organic and natural mini bar items; energy efficient lighting and water conserving fixtures. Green MeetingsMeeting planners will have the opportunity to arrange events that will incorporate sustainable practices in every facet of their group’s experience. From the initial planning stages to final meeting session, RockResorts meetings and conventions staff will assist meeting planners every step of the way. At the resort, RockResorts will offer sustainable food and beverage options, environmentally friendly and sustainable décor, in-room recycling, and resources for carbon-offset programs to minimize travel impacts for groups of any size. "Environmentally Engaged" WeddingsFrom the majestic mountains of Vail to the authentic adobes of Santa Fe, couples can now say "I Do" at a RockResort without saying "I Don’t" to Mother Nature. Couples can celebrate their special day with an “Environmentally Engaged” wedding. A RockResorts event planner will work with the bride and groom to incorporate more personal sustainability practices into their special occasion that go far beyond simply recycling the cans from the "Just Married" sign. Custom touches that are as unique as the bride and groom can put a touch of green in every aspect of the wedding. Features include organic, natural and regional cuisine and beverages, sustainable décor and carbon friendly transportation options. Our team is also prepared to offer the bride and groom other helpful green planning tips. Appetite for Life - Sustainable Local and Organic CuisineIn conjunction with their “sister” mountain resorts, many of the RockResorts properties will offer <Coleman> natural meats and poultry and <Horizon Organic> dairy. We believe good food is fuel for a life well lived and we're on a path to source ingredients of the highest quality, produced in a healthy and sustainable way. To this end, RockResorts is committed to establishing use of sustainable cuisine and over time plans to convert to additional organic and natural products, including meats, poultry, dairy, breads, produce and beverages such as wines and spirits. In addition, each RockResorts property will feature numerous signature dishes with locally grown and produced ingredients. Sustainable Fish and SeafoodWe are committed to do our part to support global environmental protection and to this end at our hotels and resorts and high-end, on-mountain dining outlets we offer fish and seafood selections from sustainably managed sources. We utilize several resources to guide our purchasing decisions including the Seafood Choices Alliance, Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program, and the Marine Stewardship Council. For more information on choosing fish and seafood that is healthier for you and the environment visit: Renewable Energy/Wind PowerIn keeping with our commitment to reduce overall energy use and to invest in the generation of renewable energy, in August 2006 RockResorts became the first hotel brand in North America to offset 100% of our company-wide electricity use. We did this as part of the efforts of our parent company, Vail Resorts, to offset 100% of our company-wide electricity use by purchasing 152,000 megawatt-hours of wind energy credits, also known as Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for our five mountain resorts, our lodging properties, over 145 retail locations (operated through Specialty Sports Venture) and our corporate headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado. This is a commitment we continue to support as part of a comprehensive companywide energy management strategy. While sufficient wind energy to offset our electricity usage was not available in Colorado, we were able to do this by partnering with a number of wind farms across the country through a system of renewable energy credits that brings together suppliers and buyers of wind energy. Specifically, our partnership is focused on investing in the expansion of wind power infrastructure, essentially building more wind farms. We are proud to be the second largest purchaser of 100% wind renewable energy credits of all corporations in the United States. Vail Resorts also launched an internal campaign, "Use Less, Do More" to reduce its energy and fossil fuel consumption through such measures as employee carpooling, efficient lighting and the installation of energy management systems. In addition, RockResorts will continue to explore local opportunities to source alternative energy at each one of its properties. Seeking Renewable Energy Options 2007 Preferred Hotels GIFFTS Award Water ConservationAccording to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the lodging industry, as part of its total energy usage, spends on average nearly 60% of its budget to heat, provide water to and light its facilities. This provides all hotels and resorts with prime opportunities to reduce demands. Installation of low-flow faucets, showerheads, toilets, kitchen sprayers and water efficient laundry equipment, as well as integration of EPA EnergyStar™ rated appliances, electronics, and other service equipment, is becoming common practice throughout all of our properties. Some resorts also feature automated energy management systems, including timers and motion sensors to power down in-room heating, ventilation and cooling systems, spa and health club equipment, kitchen appliances and lighting. Our resorts actively engage our guests in conservation efforts, such as offering visitors the choice to reuse their daily linens and towels to reduce water and energy usage. National Forest Foundation and Local Forest ConservationRockResorts, its parent company Vail Resorts and the National Forest Foundation (the non-profit partner of the U.S. Forest Service) have joined in a partnership to support projects that improve and enhance the White River National Forest. The projects include trail and forest recreation improvements, wildlife habitat and watershed restoration and community-based forestry programs. The largest program of its kind in the country, this initiative is expected to raise up to $600,000 per year. For each guest’s stay, a voluntary donation of $1 per room will automatically be added to the guest bill. RockResorts and Vail Resorts will forward 100% of all contributions to the National Forest Foundation. For every dollar contributed by guests, the National Forest Foundation will invest $1.50 to on-the-ground conservation. Guests who do not wish to make this contribution, will need to inform the front desk staff and the charge will be removed from the bill immediately. Learn more about this contribution program, the National Forest Foundation, or join Friends of the Forest™. Find out more about program contributions and projects to date. Green GolfRockResorts will continue its success in bringing the best sustainability practices to its golf operations. Vail Resorts Inc. currently operates six courses, with three currently certified within the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program. Vail Resorts intends to bring its remaining course into the program and look for other measures to go beyond even the Audubon standards including community stewardship projects; habitat restoration; integrating green practices into other course facilities; and supporting environmental practices with neighboring courses. "Give & Getaway" Volunteer VacationsRockResorts has partnered with the U.S. Forest Service, Eagle Ranger District, Dillon Ranger District and White River National Forest to offer a volunteer vacation package at its collection of luxury resorts in Colorado. Guests who book the Give & Getaway package—available during select dates from June 2008 through September 2008—will participate in trail restoration projects in Colorado’s White River National Forest (where Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone mountain resorts are located) and receive a discounted nightly lodging rate and exclusive gifts. Restoration projects offered as part of the Give & Getaway package will improve the recreational quality of the White River National Forest’s network of trails, as well as the health of the local forest and streams by controlling erosion caused by degraded trails. Volunteers, ages 16 and older are invited to participate in these enriching and fun projects while indulging in a relaxing stay at a RockResort. View the video from past Give & Getaways>> |
