Grand Teton Lodge Company Announces Conversion To 100% Wind Power
The Company's Environmental Programs Make Traveling Green Easy
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WY, October 5, 2006. Taking a green vacation just became easier with Grand Teton Lodge Company's (GTLC) announcement that it will offset 100 percent of its energy use by purchasing clean, renewable wind-generated energy. By purchasing energy credits equal to the company's entire electricity use, GTLC becomes one of the largest purchasers of wind power in Wyoming. In 2003, GTLC led the way in promoting alternative energy sources in the state by becoming one of the first Wyoming businesses to purchase wind-generated electricity securing the equivalent power to run Jenny Lake Lodge annually. The company will work with Boulder, Colorado-based Renewable Choice Energy as its wind-power provider.
"Converting to 100 percent wind-generated electricity was the natural next step in our company's environmental program, EnvisionTM, which is the foundation for all of our operations," states John W. Rutter, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Grand Teton Lodge Company. "We are increasingly aware of how important ecologically-responsible options are to travelers today. GTLC is not only well ahead of the industry in responding to consumers, we are also setting the standard for U.S. companies with our unsurpassed environmental programs."
Since it is physically impossible to deliver electricity straight from a wind farm to GTLC, renewable energy credits make purchasing wind power possible. Wind energy credits ensure that the amount of electricity the company uses is replaced onto the power grid with wind power. Wind farms sell renewable energy credits to better complete with fossil fuels allowing consumers to choose clean sources of electricity. GTLC with work in conjunction with its parent company, Vail Resorts, to purchase wind credits from Renewable Choice Energy thereby avoiding more than 211 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually, which according to the Environmental Protection Agency is the equivalent to taking 18,000 cars off the road or planting more than 27,000 acres of trees.
GTLC Makes Green Vacations Easy
GTLC's environmental-friendly practices make it easy for travelers to take a green vacation. In 2003, the company became one of the first in the U.S. lodging industry to be acknowledged for its green efforts by achieving International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 certification for its environmental management program. From initiatives such as offering sustainable cuisine, a commitment to green materials use and procurement , an interpretive program for guests and a "Go Green, Get Green" package for meeting planners, GTLC has made impressive strides in reducing its impacts on the environment while imparting "green" knowledge to its guests along the way. Whether relaxing in the comfort of their guestroom, dining in the restaurant, purchasing a souvenir or enjoying an activity in the park, the company's comprehensive interpretive program leverages a guest's experience, while vacationing or attending a meeting, to introduce them to eco-friendly programs and alternatives that they can take back and practice in their homes, businesses and local communities.
A copy of Grand Teton Lodge Company's EnvisionTM sustainability report can be obtained by visiting the company's website at www.gtlc.com/envision or calling 307-543-3100.
About Grand Teton Lodge Company:
With a mission to preserve, protect and inspire, Grand Teton Lodge Company is the concessionaire in Grand Teton National Park operating the lodging, restaurants, tours and activities at Jackson Lake Lodge, the four-diamond Jenny Lake Lodge, and Colter Bay Village as well as Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club which is located just outside the Park in Jackson, Wyo. The company's Envision program represents its commitment to a comprehensive systematic approach to sustainable business practices that preserves the environment, ensures quality service, and provides for the health and safety of its guests and employees. For more information about Grand Teton Lodge Company, call 307-543-3100 or visit www.gtlc.com.