Fairmont Hotels & Resorts - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts operates 43 properties throughout six countries. Fairmont is committed to providing guests with exceptional service in environmentally conscious surroundings.
Description
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts have a long history of environmental stewardship. The company-wide, Green Partnership program promotes improvements in the areas of waste management, energy conservation, water conservation and purchasing practices. Their environmental stewardship philosophy aims to minimize the impact of hotel operations on the environment. The Green Partnership program, originally pioneered by Fairmont's Canadian properties in 1990, is currently expanding across Fairmont's growing international portfolio.
The company's environmental commitment is clearly exemplified by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Lake Louise, Alberta is often referred to as Canada's "diamond in the wilderness" and is designated as a UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site. The Chateau is one of several Fairmont properties that operate within a protected site.
In 1999, the Chateau initiated a "green power" purchase agreement with Canadian Hydro Developers, Inc. This federally certified EcoLogo company is Alberta's largest producer of renewable energy. Green power, derived from renewable resources such as; wind, run-of-river hydro, and organic material has minimal impacts on the environment and produces minimal pollution and emissions. Green power is a more expensive but a far cleaner alternative to traditional coal-fired energy, making it well worth the resort's investment.
The initial switch to green power accounted for ten percent of the Chateau's energy use. The hotel has continued to increase its green power allotment by an additional ten percent each year. In 2004, forty percent (3 300 000 kilowatt hours annually) of the Chateau's energy came from a blend of wind and run-of-river hydro all generated within its home province. Purchasing green power is an innovative way to protect the environment, and has proven to be an initiative that Chateau employees are proud of and guests appreciate.
Benefits
Environmental
Between 1999 and 2004, the use of an alternative energy source cut Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise's greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 10 000 tonnes per year. The purchase of renewable energy demonstrates Fairmont's commitment to a sustainable future. Green power lowers natural resource consumption, produces fewer air emissions, and leads to a healthier environment for all to enjoy.
Economic
Although green power presently costs more, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is committed to supporting innovation in the field of energy generation. Their investment in green power stimulates long term cost reductions for renewable energy and diversifies the energy infrastructure. Currently, green power accounts for an additional 10.5% of the Chateau's annual electricity budget.
Recognition
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts obtained recognition from the National Geographic Traveler Magazine as having the most comprehensive environmental program in the North American hotel industry.
Contact Information
Michelle White
Manager of Environmental Affairs
100 Wellington St. W. Suite 1600, P.O. Box 40
Toronto, Ontario
M5K 1B7
Phone : (416) 874-2415
Fax : (416) 874-2422
E-mail : environment@fairmont.com
Website : www.fairmont.com
Date Submited
February 2005
Note: The purpose of this sheet is to give recognition to this specific activity in pollution prevention. Environment Canada does not per se endorse the company.