EPA recognizes Skico with environmental award

The Aspen Skiing Co. is the recipient of a 2005 Green Power Leadership Award for its leadership in incorporating renewable energy into its ski resort operations.

The On-site Generation award Aspen received recognizes organizations that distinguish themselves by using on-site renewable energy applications, including solar photovoltaic and wind energy projects.

Aspen was the first ski resort to purchase wind power, in 1997. In addition to purchasing 5 percent of its annual usage from wind power, Aspen has built a 115-kilowatt microhydro plant that serves as a model for renewable generation in alpine communities.

Aspen is also the first and only ski industry member of the Chicago Climate Exchange and hopes to achieve a 10 percent reduction in annual carbon dioxide emissions by 2010 based on a 1999 baseline.

This year a panel of eight judges reviewed nearly 70 nominations based on criteria ranging from the amount of renewable electricity purchased or generated to each organization's strategy for incorporating green power into its operations and communications.

The Green Power Leadership Awards for green power purchasers is a component of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership, a voluntary program providing technical assistance and public recognition to organizations that switch to green power for a portion of their electricity needs. Partners in the program include Fortune 500 companies, universities, institutions and state, local and federal agencies. The purchaser awards fall into three categories: On-site Generation, Green Power Purchasing and Green Power Partner of the Year.

"We applaud Aspen Skiing Company for its environmental leadership," said Kurt Johnson, director of EPA's Green Power Partnership. "Aspen is providing an outstanding example for others to follow."

This fall, the Skico completed the installation of the largest photovoltaic system in the ski industry at the Aspen Highlands Patrol Headquarters. A grand opening ceremony and news conference for that system will take place in December.

Australian ski resorts recently asked Aspen to share ideas on climate change and renewable energy.

"This is about climate change and what we can do about it," Skico CEO Pat O'Donnell said in a news release. "The ski industry will be a leader in the drive towards solutions."