The first in a series of activities aimed at enhancing sustainability best-practices in preparation for the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships got underway September 4-5 as the Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability co-hosted a two-day session with the Town of Vail to provide Vail Valley businesses with interactive training on sustainability best-practices tailored to the unique attributes of travel, tourism and hospitality. The training was facilitated by the globally recognized organization, Sustainable Travel International.
An initiative of the 2015 Environmental Committee, the program is called “Actively Green 2015” and, over the next 16 months, the goal is to train and certify 100 Vail Valley businesses in sustainability best-practices. This program is a partnership between the globally-recognized nonprofit Sustainable Travel International, the Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability, the Town of Vail and the Vail Valley Foundation.
Participants from 17 different organizations gained a sophisticated understanding of sustainability policies and management frameworks, examined industry best-practices and learned about no-cost and low-cost sustainability solutions.
Over the next several months, these businesses and organizations will incorporate sustainability systems into their operations and apply for eco-certification. The Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability and Sustainable Travel International are providing technical expertise, resources and data tracking to help measure the Valley’s progress along the way to becoming a sustainable travel destination, with a second training session scheduled to be offered in early November.