Two resort companies billed as Canada's 'Greenest'

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Maclean Magazine has listed Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Whistler Blackcomb as two of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 2009. The two companies were recognized for for earth-friendly initiatives in promoting environmental awareness in their organizations.

Even in these challenging economic times, companies continue to put forth a a wide range of initiatives to support their commitment to environmental values.

Now in its second year, the award (formally called “Canada’s Most Earth-Friendly Employers”) named 30 Canadian companies that surpassed the cut in 4 key areas: (1) the unique environmental initiatives and programs they have developed; (2) the extent to which they have been successful in reducing the organization’s own environmental footprint; (3) the degree to which their employees are involved in these programs and whether they contribute any unique skills; and (4) the extent to which these initiatives have become linked to the employer’s public identity and whether they attract new people to the organization.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont is no stranger to green-goodness, regardless of the country.

The world-renowned hotel chain wrote a book on how to build a greener business, which is distributed to hotel management schools and even other hotel chains around the world. It also operates a program that focuses on waste management, energy and water conservation, and the use of earth-friendly products. Other initiatives include garbage recycling, employee-run recycling programs and competitions, development of organic gardens and nature trails, as well as fundraising for local wildlife and environmental conservation organizations.

For more information, visit www.fairmont.com.

Whistler Blackcomb

This world-class snowsports resort and one of the official venues for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games has become a model of environmental and social stewardship in the ski and mountain resort industry since 1992.

Many onsite initiatives are managed by the company’s Environmental Coordinator, including aggressive recycling and composting programs, a carpool program using company vehicles, installing energy efficient equipment, training employees on best environmental practices, hosting ecology and wildlife viewing tours for visitors, investing in the protection of local ecosystems as well as working closely with the local community to restore wildlife habitat. By end of 2009, the company will complete the construction of a $32 million hydro-electric plant inside its ski area that will produce more than enough clean electricity for all of its operations.

For more information, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

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