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LODGE ~ Traveling Green

A New Approach to Traveling Green

A vision was born, 15 years ago, when the idea for a 110 million gallon manmade lake was created to fuel Stowe's snow making capabilities, simultaneously conserving water and maintaining the health of the local streams and rivers. Today, Peregrine Lake, the centerpiece of our exciting resort development, represents our commitment to maintain an environmental approach towards all of our aspects, policies and designs. As a testament to the development's environmental efforts, last winter Audubon International awarded Spruce Peak at Stowe their coveted Sustainable Community award, with Stowe being the first mountain resort to ever win this award. In addition, Stowe Mountain Club, the wilderness golf course designed by the legendary Bob Cupp for members and Stowe Mountain Lodge guests, was recognized with Audubon International's esteemed Signature Sanctuary certification in May. In keeping with the resort's dedication to preserving the environment, Stowe Mountain Lodge is currently pursuing Audubon International's Green Leaf Eco-Rating by strictly following their guidelines for eco-friendly hotel operations.Stowe Mountain Lodge and Spruce Peak at Stowe, which are surrounded by 2,000 acres of conservation land, carefully follow an environmental charter drafted in 2004 outlining our commitment to eco-friendly practices. Efficiency Vermont, the nation's first statewide provider of energy efficiency services, approximated that Stowe Mountain Lodge's proposed plan would save 800,000 kWh of electricity and 42,000 gallons of propane per year. The following outline just a few of Stowe Mountain Lodge's and Spruce Peak's environmentally conscious actions:

• Over 50 % of the power purchased by the resort is from renewable resources.
• All guest rooms will have CFL bulbs, low flow showerheads, low flow toilets and recycling programs in place.
• Bamboo sheets and robes, recycled paper products and eco-friendly cleaning solutions are used in all guest rooms.
• The lodge was constructed with local granite and recycled steel.
• A solid waste management system is in plan.
• Pedestrian paths, a trolley system and a transfer lift help reduce transportation related carbon emissions.

Furthermore, an energy management system called Trane Summit controls and monitors energy levels used throughout back-of-the-house areas based on occupancy and motion sensors will prevent excess heat, air conditioning and lighting usage.

Stowe Mountain Lodge's environmental efforts also go beyond the hotel's walls. Our strategic partnerships reflect our dedication to upholding environmental responsibility through all decisions concerning the development. For example, Stowe Mountain Lodge has partnered with Arise Air, the world's first carbon-neutral boutique jet card provider, offsetting carbon emissions from each of their flights.

Stowe Mountain Lodge has achieved a rating of 4 Green Leafs through the Audubon International Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program for Hotels!

Areas assessed include Energy Efficiency, Pollution Prevention, Environmental Management, and Resource Conservation. Benefits from participating in the Audubon Greenleaf Eco-Rating Program for Hotels include:

• Third-party, credible verification by a non-profit environmental group.
• Public recognition and marketing benefits as an environmental leader.
• Easy identification as a ‘green hotel' for millions of 'green' travelers.
• Structure, information, tools, and advice to reduce operating costs.
• Enhanced staff job satisfaction through their involvement.

This rating establishes Stowe Mountain Lodge as a leader in environmental stewardship, joining 15 other Hotels in the world with a 4 Leaf Rating. The only other 4 Leaf Rated Hotel in the United States is the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort in Lake Placid, New York. There is only one 5 Leaf Hotel in the world, The Aurum Lodge Rocky Mountain House in Alberta, Canada.

Stowe Mountain Lodge has continued Spruce Peaks' commitment to the environment. In 2006, Spruce Peak became the first member of the Audubon Sustainable Communities Program's Private Sector Track, as well as Stowe Mountain Club's certification as a Signature Sanctuary.

For details, comments, questions, or suggestions regarding our environmental efforts please contact André Blais at 802-760-4773 or ablais@destinationhotels.com.

To learn more about our environmental charter, please call 802.253.3560 and we would be happy to send this information to you. For more information on Audubon International, please visit auduboninternational.org.