What it takes to keep a Banff National Park green

Leadership Through Innovative Programs
 

Eco-Meet: Fairmont's Eco-Meet program offers planners the opportunity to minimize the ecological footprint of meetings and events through the reduction of waste and conservation of valuable resources. The program can be tailored to the individual needs of the client through four key components—Eco-Accommodation, Eco-Cuisine, Eco-Service and Eco-Programming.

At The Fairmont Banff Springs:

• Waste Management, energy conservation and water conservation programs are in place


• Local, organic, or sustainable menus items are used whenever possible


• Disposable-free service is offered upon request


• Environmental and History training options are available


• Paperless service is offered upon request


• Nature-based activities include Skating, Snowshoeing, float trips on the Bow River, Whitewater Rafting Adventures, Dog Sledding, Downhill and Cross Country Skiing, Hiking with local, certified guides, cruise on Lake Minnewanka.


 

Carbon Management Program:  Fairmont has introduced an Energy and Carbon Management Program in support of our Climate Change Strategy, that allows us to monitor, track, and report on our progress toward achieving significant CO2 reductions at all of our locations worldwide. We also partner with like-minded companies who provide products and services that improve our operational efficiencies. These proactive steps will reduce carbon output and help mitigate the effects of global warming.

Greening our Greens: All Fairmont-managed golf courses are enrolled with Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuaries, an organization which sets guidelines for an international system of wildlife and environmental conservation. Through our participation, we have developed an extensive integrated management plan for ongoing improvements to our golf courses called "Greening Our Greens". The program offers practical ways for our courses to make positive changes, while working toward the larger goal of achieving certification from Audubon International.

At The Fairmont Banff Springs, grounds naturalization projects include:

• Audubon Certified Sanctuary


• Reducing pesticide use


• Implementation of proper fertilizer usage


• Planting drought tolerant or indigenous species


• Water quality management


• Buffer areas where fertilizers/pesticides are not used and water conservation methods


• Wildlife habitat management


• Outreach and education


• Integrated pest management (IPM) protocols when determining how to manage turf/tree pest infestations


• Use of Bio-fuels in turf/road fleet equipment

Green Cuisine: Fairmont is committed to purchasing local, organic, Fair Trade and sustainable food products wherever possible, including utilizing organic or biodynamic wines, local purveyors and on-site herb gardens.

At The Fairmont Banff Springs:

• Seasonal herb garden on property (June to September)


• Local items including; tomatoes, peppers, greens, cheese, beef, bison, pork, lamb, mushrooms, herbs, stone fruits and apples are sourced and purchased as seasonably available


• All hotel wine lists have the inclusion of Organic and bio-dynamic wines


• Organic items, such as bison, beef, are offered whenever possible


• Vegetarian and Vegan selections offered at all restaurants.


• '100 Mile Menu' option available to banquet groups.


• Working towards Ocean Wise accreditation through Vancouver Aquarium.


• Tea selection has been recognized by the FLO (Fair Trade Labeling Organization)


• Tea selection certified USDA Organic


• Paper bags have been replaced with recycled, reusable carry totes.


 

Waste Management

Paper, packaging and garbage are a reality of our lives, and of any business. Fairmont has consistently cut these side effects of our operations. While effective waste management comes with challenges, such as operating in communities without recycling facilities, we continue to reduce and divert waste and identify other eco-friendly opportunities.

Initiatives at The Fairmont Banff Springs include:

·        Primary partner with the Town of Banff organic diversion trial program.

·        Purchasing green initiatives when considering product sources, and packaging.

·         Recycling Bins in place throughout hotel, including all guest and meeting rooms.

·         Biodegradable and compost food containers have replaced some plastic food containers.

·         Gently used hotel items and bathroom amenities are donated to local charities.

·         Electronic equipment is taken to the Town of Banff's Resource Recovery Centre and recycled.

·         Kitchen grease is 100% recycled. Use for biodiesel fuel and sent to local feed mills as an energy source for pigs and poultry.

Energy and Water Conservation

To conserve energy and cut greenhouse gas emissions, Fairmont has introduced compact fluorescent light bulbs where possible. Most hotels now have water-efficient showerheads and tap aerators, and we continue to replace all toilets that have a flush capacity over two gallons (7.6 liters). Guests can do their part by choosing to participate in the towel and sheet exchange program offered at all Fairmont properties.

At The Fairmont Banff Springs, energy and water conservation projects include:

·    Lighting Retrofit in 1991

• Building Management system replaced with Johnson Controls Metasys System and result in regain control and schedule based on occupancy


• Exterior Christmas lighting has been changed to energy efficient LED


• Liquid thermal blanket for outdoor pool (as of August 2009)


• Showerhead, aerators and toilets converted to low volume fixtures in 1991


• Installation of pot feeders on boilers in heating plant. Greatly reduced volume of chemical used in boiler water treatment.


• Housekeeping chemicals are designed to limit the amount of water needed when cleaning


• All colleagues complete environmental training during orientation and sign a Sustainability promise specific to the hotel


• Environmental booth at annual health & safety fair


 

Partnerships and Affiliations

Our affiliations highlight our commitment to the environment, and also help promote unique Fairmont eco-experiences. The growing number of partners and associations who share our vision include The World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, WWF (Climate Savers Program), The International Tourism Partnership, The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (ENERGY STAR® program), The Hotel Association of Canada (Green Key Eco-Rating Program) and the National Geographic Society.

Local projects are tailored to address environmental issues specific to the hotel's location, and showcase each Fairmont 's unique environmental strengths and connection to their community.

On a local level, The Fairmont Banff Springs, partners include:

• Banff Food Bank (donation of food during food drives)


• YWCA of Banff (fundraising initiatives)


• Banff Daycare (fundraising initiatives)


• BanffLife (fundraising initiatives)


• Parks Canada (Annual highway/parkland cleanup)


 

Awards & Accolades

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts' Green Partnership Program continues to be recognized by a number of international organizations including the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Ad Age and Strategy magazines.

The Fairmont Banff Springs has received the following certifications/ratings:

• HAC Green Key Eco Rating: 4 Keys


• Designated a National Historic Site for Canada in 2000


• Audubon Certification for both the Hotel and Golf Course operations.


 

The Fairmont Banff Springs has received the following awards:

• Selected as a case study for good environmental practices by ERB Institute's High Performance Hospitality - Sustainable Hotel Case Studies (2008)


• Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Environmental Hotel of the Year (1998)