Thursday, Aug 24, 2006
Ron Terry 435 772-0160
The National Park Service recently announced the selection of Xanterra Parks and Resorts at Zion Lodge as a recipient of the 2006 National Park Service Environmental Achievement Award. The award recognizes superior accomplishments in environmental stewardship through a long-term dedication to sustainable business practices in support of the National Park Service’s commitment to sustaining and preserving natural resources.
National Park Service Director Fran Mainella stated in the citation for the award, “Xanterra at Zion Lodge has made significant contributions to sustainable activities at Zion National Park by decreasing fossil fuel consumption, using renewable energy, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, eliminating waste, recycling, and producing ‘green’ products.”
Xanterra demonstrates their commitment to environmental stewardship in numerous ways. They increased their use of renewable energy to 43 percent of total electrical use. They achieved this through the purchase of 667,000 kWh of wind generated power and the installation of a solar photovoltaic system which generates up to 30,000 kWh of electricity annually. They installed PTAC controls and occupancy sensors in all 122 guest rooms to automatically control room temperatures to predetermined set-points. The project is estimated to save 25%-40% of the energy used for heating and cooling. In addition, they converted 95 percent of their light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs, saving 70 percent more electricity than an incandescent for each lamp.
Xanterra converted an old diesel-fuel fired boiler to an energy efficient “on demand” propane fired system. This decreased the emission of carbon dioxide by more than 300,000 pounds annually. When vehicles were replaced, they purchased one hybrid electric vehicle and two small cars with greater fuel efficiency. They also purchased two electric maintenance carts and converted two gasoline carts to propane. By implementing the use of renewable energy, eliminating diesel fuel for heat, and purchasing hybrid and zero emission vehicles, they have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1,700,000 pounds.
Annually, they recycle more than 140,000 pounds of materials. This includes the composting of 30,000 pounds of food waste in 2005. Recycling containers were installed throughout their property to help collection and improve recycling awareness. In 2005, water usage was reduced by 2.5 million gallons due to a reduction in lawn to be watered, only serving water on request in the dining room, and installation of low flow bathroom fixtures.
The Zion Lodge has a strong commitment to serving and expanding the offerings of Sustainable Cuisine, including serving seafood only from Marine Stewardship Council certified fisheries. The menu has been expanded to include organic beef, pasta, greens, and coffee.
For these and other actions to preserve our environment, Xanterra Parks and Resorts has been awarded the 2006 National Park Service Environmental Achievement Award.
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