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. ww1.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. ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com/media