Energy Efficiency, Commercial, Wind  -  November 13, 2018

Vail Resorts commits to zero

Vail Resorts, Inc. announced on Nov. 13 a long-term wind VPPA to purchase the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power 100% of its estimated FY 2019 North American operations by 2020. Achieving zero net emissions by 2030 is one pillar within the company's 'Commitment to Zero' sustainability goal, announced by Vail Resorts in 2017.

The company's wind VPPA enables the development of the Plum Creek Wind Project, which is expected to be completed in 2020. Under the 12-year agreement, Vail Resorts is purchasing 310,000 MWh, enough wind energy to reduce the emissions associated with the Company's estimated FY 2019 North American electricity use by 100%, which includes the recent acquisitions of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Stevens Pass Resort, Okemo Mountain Resort, and Mount Sunapee Resort.

According to a statement from the company, the agreement with Lincoln Clean Energy, a subsidiary of Ørsted, is the first of its kind to be executed by a Colorado-based company as a buyer and will make Vail Resorts the first major company in the leisure and hospitality industry to achieve 100% renewable electricity for its North American electricity load with a VPPA.

"This agreement is just one of many ways Vail Resorts is working to be an industry leader in preserving the environment by bringing more renewable energy online," said Rob Katz, chairman and CEO of Vail Resorts. "While we continually work with local, state and federal governments and utility partners to find ways to source renewable energy in the markets where our individual resorts are located, this wind power purchase agreement allows us to make a measurable impact on climate change – and its effect on the planet – within just a few years."

Vail Resorts recently signed a contract with Xcel Energy in Colorado to support a new solar energy facility and is sponsoring Rocky Mountain Power's RFP for 308,000 MWh of renewable energy. The company has invested $2.4 million in energy efficiency projects across its resorts over the last year, including low-energy snowmaking and energy-efficient building upgrades.

Read These Related Articles:

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• Vail Resorts to achieve 93% renewable electricity by 2023
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• Vail Resorts targets zero net emissions, 100% RE

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