Powdr Corp announced today that it has received a 2008 Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The annual awards recognize the country’s leading green power purchasers for their commitment and contribution to advancing the development of the nation’s voluntary green power market.
EPA presented Powdr Corp with the award at an event held in conjunction with the 2008 National Renewable Energy Marketing Conference in Denver, Colorado.
Powdr Corp operates seven ski and snowboard resorts including Park City Mountain Resort in Park City, Utah, Killington Resort and Pico Resort in Killington, Vermont, Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon, Boreal Resort and Soda Springs Resort, both in Donner Summit, California, and Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.

This award recognizes EPA Green Power Partners who distinguish themselves through purchases of green power from a utility green-pricing program, a competitive green marketer, or a renewable energy credit (REC) supplier. Powdr Corp currently purchases nearly 50 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which is enough green power to meet 100 percent of the organization’s purchased electricity.
“We are proud to receive this prestigious award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said Brent Giles, director of environmental affairs for Powdr Corp.

Purchasing green power helps our organization become more sustainable, while also sending a message to other companies and individuals across the U.S. that supporting clean sources of electricity is a sound business decision and an important choice in reducing climate risk.”

Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro. These resources generate electricity with a net zero increase in carbon dioxide emissions, while offering a superior environmental profile compared to traditional power generation sources. Green power purchases also support the development of new renewable energy generation sources nationwide.

“Our nation is shifting to a ‘green culture,’ with more and more Americans understanding that environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.

EPA commends Powdr Corp for making a long-term commitment to protecting the environment by purchasing green power.”

According to the U.S. EPA, Powdr Corp’s current green power purchase of nearly 50 million kWh is equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of nearly 7,000 passenger vehicles per year, or is the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power just about 5,000 average American homes annually.

Powdr Corp is committed to being an industry leader in environmental stewardship. In addition to the purchase of 100 percent renewable energy, Powdr Corp resorts are actively involved in environmental initiatives including energy reduction, the use of alternative fuels and recycling. These initiatives have so far offset Powdr Corp’s carbon footprint by 92 percent.
www.powdr.com