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Environmental

Figure 2.

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Number of Ski 8 17 17 27 28 For a ski resort, an example of relative decoupling
Areas Participating* is purchasing electricity that is less carbon intensive, i.e.,
produced from renewable sources. Killington Resort is
On-Site Emission 172 3,694 1,130 2,147 5,588 enrolled in the Cow Power program, a completely local
Reductions** (Annual) form of renewable energy made in Vermont. The elec-
tricity comes with less emissions per kWh, resulting in a
On-Site Emission 172 3,866 4,996 7,143 12,731 decrease in emissions for the resort.
Reductions** (Cumulative)
An example of absolute decoupling is installing effi-
Renewable Energy 2,134 33,346 41,819 41,944 38,580 ciency lighting and snowmaking equipment that reduces
Credits Purchased** the overall energy consumption and therefore emissions.
New Mexico’s Taos Ski Valley is investing in its new
*Ski areas that submitted data; **Metric tons of C02e base area but also focusing on energy efficiency to min-
imize emissions. Either way, both can result in reduced
seven snowflake stickers with the POW Seven Pledge. Squaw Valley emissions even with growth.
wants to capitalize on the 10-minute ride to Upper Mountain and
start the conversation on climate change with their guests. The NSAA Climate Challenge is continually
reevaluated to improve the experience for participat-
How is a resort supposed to reduce emissions while also try- ing resorts. Next year, changes include minor tool revi-
ing to grow their business? The two appear to be in direct con- sions, ski industry benchmarking data, and social
flict, but they are not. media marketing support by student interns.

“Climate and business performance can go hand-in-hand,” If you haven’t already joined or re-enrolled, it’s not
states EPA’s McCarthy. Decoupling economic growth and GHG too late! Contact Geraldine Link, NSAA director of
emissions is based on technological progress and efficiency gains. public policy, at glink@nsaa.org for more information.
There are two general types of decoupling: relative and absolute.
Relative decopuling is a decrease of emissions intensity per unit
of economic output. Absolute decoupling is an overall decrease of
emissions with economic growth.

42 | NSAA JOURNAL | FALL 2016