Introducing Actively Green 2015, an innovative community-driven program that will transform the Vail Valley into a globally-recognized sustainable destination.

A true collaboration, Actively Green is a partnership between the globally recognized nonprofit Sustainable Travel International, the Walking Mountains Science Center, the Town of Vail and the Vail Valley Foundation.

Objectives

The objectives of this ambitious first-of-its kind effort are to:

• Educate and Certify at least 100 businesses in the community on a set of internationally-recognized sustainability best practices
• Benchmark and Report on data across key performance indicators, helping destination decision-makers to identify successes and opportunities
• Tell a compelling Sustainability Success Story through campaigns that touch visitors and community members alike

The projected outcome? A generation-spanning legacy — one which will ensure the destination inspires residents and engages visitors, while remaining vibrant and resource-rich for the long term.

What is Actively Green 2015? How can I participate?

The Actively Green 2015 initiative will support the integration, adoption, and certification of sustainability best practices for at least 100 businesses across the Vail Valley.

Businesses from any sector are eligible to participate, from accommodations and tour operator to restaurants and retail companies. Patrons and guests are encouraged to think about being Actively Green in 2015 when planning their World Championships Experience.

How will we accomplish our objectives?

1) Educate and Certify

• A collection of ready-to-use operational tools and resources designed to drive efficiency for businesses across the Vail Valley
• Training sessions and workshops dedicated to building local capacity on the implementation of best practices
• A new Actively Green Eco-Label, designed with the Vail Valley in mind. Participating businesses can earn the label and use it with pride, by demonstrating adherence to a set of 23 baseline criteria
• Support for participation in global eco-certification programs like the Sustainable Tourism Education Program (STEP), designed for businesses looking to achieve higher levels of recognition

2) Benchmark and Report

• A brand-new customized online Sustainability Management System, designed for Vail Valley businesses to measure and manage sustainability impacts
• An opportunity for the destination to manage its performance at scale, through a community dashboard, regular progress reports and a birds-eye view of sustainability opportunities and challenges
• Performance will be tracked across key sustainability indicators such as energy and water usage and conservation, waste generation and recycling, and volunteerism

We envision the 2015 Alpine World Ski Championships as a catalyst of innovation and collaboration that enhances and celebrates our mountain environment for generations to come.
GET ACTIVELY GREEN!
New training dates announced!

*October 15 & 22 or November 12 & 19
Antlers Lodge in Vail
* Participants must attend either the two October sessions OR the two November sessions

Call 970-827-9725 ext. 133 or email [email protected] to sign up!
To learn more or participate in this exciting initiative, please contact Melissa Kirr at the Walking Mountains Science Center at 970-827-9725 ext. 133 or email [email protected].

CERTIFIED BUSINESSES

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES