Climate Change
Mitigating climate change is the most important sustainability goal for every ski
resort and also a moral responsibility.
- Measuring energy consumption and calculating the carbon footprint (at least
Scopes 1 and 2). - Setting emissions reduction targets, preparing an emissions reduction plan, and
monitoring progress. - Switching to renewable or zero-emission electricity and heating.
- Switching to renewable fuels for snow-cats and other vehicles.
- Electrifying the vehicle fleet.
- Increasing on-site energy production, e.g. solar panels and geothermal heating.
- Encouraging customers to use sustainable modes of transport, such as public
transport and carpooling.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is important and beneficial both for reducing environmental
impacts and for improving cost-efficiency.
Management
- Mapping the ski resort’s energy consumption and identifying the largest sources
of consumption. - Set energy-efficiency targets, plan measures, and monitor their implementation.
- Join the Finnish Energy efficiency agreements programme:
https://energiatehokkuussopimukset.fi/en/
Snowmaking
- Optimise snow quantities on slopes by using snow-depth measurement
technology. - Automate snowmaking.
- Utilise waste heat from snowmaking to heat buildings.
- Switch off heaters in snowmaking water reservoirs once snowmaking has
finished. - Use snow storage solutions.
- Use snow fences, particularly at resorts where slopes are located above the
tree line.
Snow-cats, Snowmobiles and Other Vehicles
- Provide training and instructions on driving practices, set targets and monitor
performance. - Plan driving routes to minimise fuel consumption while taking safety and
operational efficiency into account. - Avoid unnecessary idling.
- Upgrade the fleet to more energy-efficient alternatives, such as electric
snowmobiles and snow groomers and four-stroke snowmobiles.
Ski Lifts
- Adjust lift operating speeds according to the number of customers.
Slope Lighting
- Optimise the operating time of slope lighting.
- Increase the use of LED lighting and adjust lighting levels according to need.
Buildings
- Adjust building heating according to weather conditions and seasons, using
automation where possible. - Install heat recovery systems in ventilation systems.
- Carry out regular building condition inspections and seal leaks.
- Increase the use of LED lighting.
- Install motion sensors in storage areas, corridors, maintenance facilities, etc.
Biodiversity
Considering biodiversity is important for ski resorts both to ensure business
continuity and to provide high-quality customer experiences and nature-based
activities.
- Identify valuable habitats and protected species within the operating area.
- Avoid construction and operations in sensitive natural areas.
- Minimise erosion by directing meltwater so that it does not adversely affect local
water bodies or other operators. - Remove invasive alien species when they are identified.
In construction projects:
- Minimise alterations to the natural environment, for example by leaving old
trees and deadwood in place. - Take buffer zones around water bodies and valuable natural sites into account.
- Use soil and other materials in accordance with applicable regulations and
permits.
Animal habitats can be supported by:
- Installing birdhouses and insect hotels.
- Establishing meadows or flower strips for pollinators.
- Avoiding pesticides.
- Leaving some grass areas unmown.
- Maintaining sufficient wildlife corridors and passageways.
Waste Management, Recycling and the Circular Economy
Waste Management and Recycling
Organising waste management in accordance with legal requirements and
providing comprehensive recycling are basic prerequisites for environmental
responsibility. Recycling also makes economic sense.
- Follow the waste hierarchy
- prevention
- reuse
- recycling
- energy recovery
- final disposal
- Handle hazardous waste appropriately.
- Maintain waste records if more than 100 tonnes of waste is generated per year.
- Enable customers to sort waste, including in slope areas.
Circular Economy
- The circular economy is particularly relevant through equipment rental
operations. - Circular economy principles can also be applied to investments. Relocating and
reusing ski lifts and snow groomers is a common practice in the industry.