Coronet Peak Embraces Sustainable Practice (02-Jun-08)

CORONET PEAK, NZ, JUNE 2, 2008 - Delivering fantastic winter holidays in the most energy efficient and environmentally sustainable way is the crux

Delivering fantastic winter holidays in the most energy efficient and environmentally sustainable way is the crux of Coronet Peak’s sustainable practice agenda.

In planning a $30m development project at Coronet Peak, owner NZSki Ltd flagged this practice as a key concept.

A new base building and a massive snowmaking project have been developed to standards that ensure the best possible use of available resources and responsible environmental stewardship.

Those measures include:
o Material recycling in the demolition of the old base building and construction of the new – included the reuse of all possible materials.

o The installation of alternative fuel sources including gas and diesel towards a reduction in electricity consumption. A diesel generator is programmed to kick in at times of peak energy usage and is designed to be able to use a variety of fuels as technology improves (for example, as the technology becomes available, this generator will run on waste oils produced elsewhere in the operation)

o Development of an efficient building

1. Centrally controlled building heating, double airlock external doors to retain heat, double-glazing so warm in winter and cool in summer,

2. Smart lighting throughout with ecobulbs and systems to turn off lights in unused areas

3. Replaced two kitchens with one to serve all hospitality areas

4. Ventilation promoting movement of healthy air

o A fully automated snowmaking system which now installed, uses less power than the previous system

o Purchase of the most efficient snow guns with central compressor (as opposed to an individual air compressor in every gun)

o Introduction of recycling, made possible by Queenstown Lakes District Council’s recycling programme

o Vegetation programme including seed harvest, nursery and planting

o Smart packaging

o Vehicle reduction plan including disincentives for single only car drivers. Car pooling and hitchhiking encouraged from strategic ‘”ride share” locations.

Ski Area Manager Hamish McCrostie says Coronet Peak has worked towards introducing sustainable practice across all operations while meeting customer demands for the best possible snow experience, including snow coverage from day one and sophisticated, comfortable base facilities.

“We adopted a sustainable practice mind set in the planning stages of our new projects and have since invested a significant sum in ensuring energy efficiency and responsible environmental stewardship.

“We are working towards the development of a full environmental strategy and have implemented practical programmes that use our available resources as efficiently as technology allows.”