Disclosure of environmental sustainability activities by large ski lift firms

Abstract

This study investigates how environmental sustainability practices and reporting are disclosed by a group of six large ski lift operators across the world (Compagnie des Alpes, CDA (France), Silvrettaseilbahn AG (Ischgl) (Austria), Skistar (Sweden/Norway), Vail resorts (United States), Whistler Blackcomb (Canada) and Zermatt (Switzerland). Different types of practices are assessed. Results show that ski lift operators are highly active even if the extent of disclosure varies across resorts. Publicly listed ski lift operators in France and Sweden provide a detailed sustainability report and have also implemented environmental management programmes. Other firms develop their own sustainability strategies (Whistler Blackcomb, Vail resorts and Zermatt Bergbahnen AG). The practices range from monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions, 100 per cent green electricity, zero emission goals, energy reduction, fuel switching, water consumption, waste management and adaptation measures to climate change. Two ski lift operators show a decreasing trend in Co2 emissions per skier day or energy costs. Some operators report water usage in snowmaking per visitor which ranges between 250 to 1400 litres per skier day. Carbon offsetting and environmentally friendly diesel are also common tools. No ski lift operator actively participates in the UN global compact programme while three provide a sustainability report following the Global Environmental Reporting Initiative. There is an overemphasis on the use of easily available renewable energy sources, while other more complicated environmental concerns such as climate change risk are de-emphasised. Information on the main source of locally generated emissions, the fuel consumption of “piste” vehicles and snowmobiles is scarce.