Spruce Peak at Stowe Mountain Resort Recognized for Environmental Excellence

STOWE, Vt. - May 2, 2014 - PRLog -- Spruce Peak at Stowe Mountain Resort has retained its designation as a "Certified Audubon Sustainable Community" through the Audubon International Sustainable Communities Program. Robert Apple, Planning Manager, led the effort to maintain certified status in this community and is being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International. Spruce Peak was designated as a Certified Audubon Sustainable Community in 2010 and is one of four communities in the world to receive the honor.

The Audubon International Sustainable Communities Program provides information and guidance to help communities preserve and enhance what makes them healthy and vibrant places to live, work, and play. Certified members have defined and begun implementing a vision for their future founded in the three pillars of sustainability—a healthy local environment, quality of life for citizens, and economic vitality.

"Spruce Peak at Stowe Mountain Resort has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for preserving the natural heritage of the area by protecting the local watershed and providing a sanctuary for wildlife in the community," said Joanna Nadeau, Associate Director of Environmental Programs at Audubon International.

Food composting, Leave No Trace classes for guests, and installing an electric vehicle charging station are just a few examples of why Spruce Peak is widely considered a leader in sustainability. In the last few years, Stowe Mountain Resort has reduced energy use by 681,808 kWh, increased participation in their Leave No Trace program by 270%, and increased ridership on public transportation by 45%. Stowe Mountain Resort’s accomplishments have also been recognized by the Governor of Vermont’s Environmental Award for Energy Efficiency Efforts, as well as the Silver Eagle Award from the National Ski Areas Association.

"To maintain certification, a community must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a majority of areas," explained Nadeau. Members maintain certification status in the Sustainable Communities Program by demonstrating continuous progress towards goals in the plan under fifteen focus areas. Communities go through a recertification process every two years.

About Audubon International

Audubon International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) environmental education organization dedicated to providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, services, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, properties, new developments, and entire communities. Through the Sustainable Communities and Green Neighborhoods Programs, Audubon International works to help community leaders and stakeholders embrace environmental stewardship and sustainability as a central element of planning, policies, and practices.

For more information, contact Joanna at Audubon International at (518) 767-9051 ext. 124 or joanna@auduboninternational.org, or visit the website at www.auduboninternational.org.