Sustainability
Inspired by its natural surroundings and heritage, Whistler has a tradition of
visionary and thoughtful commitment to sustainability. As the first community in the
country to receive the designation of a resort municipality in 1975, Whistler was a
pioneer in the evolution of a new era in planned development. With an early
understanding of its responsibility as a steward of its environment, Whistler has
embraced the opportunity to become a leader in the development of innovative
sustainability initiatives.
Here are just a few of the Whistler community's recent environmental initiatives and
accolades:
- Whistler2020 is the community's shared vision and plan for continued
success to the year 2020 - and an ambitious step on the longer journey to a
sustainable future. Rooted in Whistler's values and a science-based approach to
sustainability, Whistler2020 is long-term, comprehensive, community-developed,
community-implemented and action-focused. To review the vision, the plan, and broad
spectrum of local sustainability performance indicators visit whistler2020.ca.
- In 2005, Whistler was declared one of the most liveable communities in the world
- and the best in the world in planning for the future - at the International Awards
for Liveable Communities (LivCom) in La Coruna, Spain. Endorsed by the United Nations
Environmental Program, the awards identified Whistler's sustainability plan, as an
international, best-practice planning model that can be used by any community in the
world. Whistler won top honors out of all 53 competing cities in the Planning for the
Future category of the International Awards for Liveable Community.
- Whistler Centre for Sustainability is a new nonprofit
organization created from the Whistler2020 vision to accelerate the journey toward a
sustainable future within Whistler and beyond. Focusing on sustainability practices
for communities and the tourism sector, the WCS takes the expertise and leadership
from Whistler's experience, combined with global best practices, to deliver
consulting services and learning opportunities for interested local governments and
the tourism industry around the world.
- Whistler Composting Facility - Developing a new state-of-the-art
composting facility is just another way Whistler is reducing its solid waste
materials and in turn achieving its vision to be one of the most sustainable
communities in the world. The new state of the art composting facility, based
just south of the village, features two 70-metre long stainless steel
climate-controlled tunnels. The plant processes biosolids from Whistler's Wastewater
Treatment Plant, organic materials from residents and businesses, and wood waste
diverted from Whistler's solid waste stream. The end result of this composting
process, which takes approximately two weeks, is a Class A compost, which can be
cured and sold as premium compost or mixed with sand or peat to produce landscaping
amenities. The compost can also be dried to produce biofuel for sale to commercial
operations.
- Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Project - Whistler Blackcomb continues to prove
that it is not only one of the world's leading ski resorts but a proven leader in
environmental sustainability. The latest project by Whistler Blackcomb will produce
enough renewable energy to power the entire resort. The Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro
Project, located within Whistler Blackcomb's operating area, will produce 33.5
gigawatt hours of hydro electricity per year - the equivalent of powering the
ski resort's winter and summer operations including 38 lifts, 17 restaurants, 269
snowguns and countless other buildings and services. The Fitzsimmons Creek area
provides the ultimate conditions for a successful small hydro electric project. The
creek has an abundance of water, the necessary vertical drop, it is not a major
fish-bearing stream, nor is the creek used recreationally within the project area.
Keeping with the green theme, electricity lines will be buried underground in
previously disturbed areas and much of the area that needs to be developed runs along
already existing access roads. www.whistlerblackcomb.com/media
- Lower Cheakamus Neighbourhood District Energy System - An in-progress
project that will see a district energy system employ 'waste' energy from Whistler's
wastewater treatment plant to meet the space and hot water needs of all of the
dwellings in the new Lower Cheakamus neighbourhood. Current estimates of potential
greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reductions versus typical construction are 60 to 70 per
cent.
- The world's largest hydrogen bus fleet - Whistler is
home to the world's largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses, which literally only
leave water in their wake. The 20 emission-free buses - each with 37 seats, a
60-person standing capacity, and a top speed of 90 km per hour - are twice as
efficient as internal combustion engines and produce no smog-creating emissions. The
buses have been transporting residents and visitors around Whistler since
mid-November. After being showcased in Whistler during the Olympic and Paralympic
Winter Games, the buses will remain as part of the regular Whistler Transit fleet
until approximately 2017.
- Whistler Green - A 'green' building standard and associated checklist
has been developed in Whistler, with energy efficiency standing as a cornerstone.
Whistler Green homes will set a new standard for residential construction and serve
as a model for the community.
- Partners For Climate Protection Program - Whistler was recognized as an
environmental leader in the country, as the first community in Canada to have
completed the final milestone in the Partners for Climate Protection Program (PCP)
developed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the International Council
for Local Environmental Initiatives. (open new window)
- AWARE Whistler Environmental Business Awards - These awards from the
Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment (AWARE) highlight and
encourage Whistler-based companies that try to reduce their environmental footprints,
by recognizing their environmental leadership in conducting their businesses.
http://www.awarewhistler.org/
- Environmental Tourism Award - Whistler Blackcomb was honoured with the
2007 Environmentally Responsible Tourism Award at the annual BC Tourism Awards gala.
The award recognized Whistler Blackcomb for its commitment to developing high levels
of environmental and social stewardship programs through its Environmental Management
System, in place since 1992. www.whistlerblackcomb.com/media