Big White Ski Resort launches community energy conservation program

February 22, 2023

Big White Ski Resort, in collaboration with FortisBC Inc. (FortisBC) and GreenStep Solutions Inc. (GreenStep), has launched the Big White Community Energy Conservation Engagement Program. The goal of this program is to identify energy conservation measures, programs, policies and initiatives that Big White Ski Resort, residents and property owners, stratas, and businesses can implement to save energy.

“With Big White Ski Resort’s recent commitment as a Resort Alliance partner of Protect Our Winters (POW), it is important that we (and our community partners) begin by assessing the environmental impact of all our current operations resort-wide,” said Peter Plimmer, President and CEO of Big White Ski Resort. “By measuring our current footprint, GreenStep Solutions and FortisBC can help us make data-driven decisions to operate more efficiently from an energy perspective. Everyday we have the environment and climate change on our mind. We take the stewardship of the land very seriously and we are now inviting others to join us as we take this step forward,” said Plimmer.

The program, partially funded by FortisBC, will consist of energy assessments for all resort-owned properties, voluntary energy assessments offered to stratified properties and businesses, and an anonymous, voluntary, online survey for residents to understand current energy use and barriers to energy conservation. The resident survey has launched and will remain open until Friday, March 31, 2023. All residents, tenants, and residential property owners at Big White will be encouraged to participate here for a chance to win one of three prizes.

A final report completed by GreenStep will identify barriers to energy conservation, and a range of recommendations that will lead to energy conservation, cost savings, and improved environmental sustainability performance for the Resort and the Big White community. Residents can participate in FortisBC’s residential and commercial energy conservation programs and receive rebates on building upgrades for water heaters, heat pumps, washers, dryers, electric vehicle charging stations and insulation. There are also low-cost and no-cost energy conservation tips and tools that residents can use to reduce energy use.

“Working together with Big White and GreenStep shows how a collective effort can help the community achieve their energy efficiency and sustainability goals,” said Danielle Wensink, Director of Conservation and Energy Management at FortisBC. “It’s important to use energy efficiently, regardless of the energy source, and our programs are designed to help all our customers find the best options that help them lower energy use and monthly bills.”

Using these findings, GreenStep will facilitate a series of workshops with key stakeholders, to set goals and create a customized environmental sustainability action plan for Big White.

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About Big White Ski Resort: Located in the picturesque Okanagan Valley and a short 55-minute drive from Kelowna International Airport, the award-winning Big White Ski Resort is Canadian family owned and operated, British Columbia’s second most popular ski resort, and is home to the largest ski-in, ski-out resort village in Canada. Blessed with sunny weather, dry powder and a mild average temperature, Big White is best known as Canada’s Favourite Family Resort and boasts the second largest lifting system in Canada, 80% of which runs on hydro power. For more information, visit www.bigwhite.com or call 1-800-663-2772.

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Daly | adaly@bigwhite.com | 250-212-3569

About FortisBC: FortisBC Inc. is a regulated utility focused on providing safe and reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost. FortisBC Inc. employs approximately 553 British Columbians and serves approximately 184,876 direct and indirect customers in B.C.’s South Interior. FortisBC Inc. owns and operates four regulated hydroelectric generating plants, as well as approximately 7,304 kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines. FortisBC Inc. is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. FortisBC Inc. uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. For further information on FortisBC, visit www.fortisbc.com . For further information on Fortis Inc., visit www.fortisinc.com.

About GreenStep Solutions Inc.: Since 2008, GreenStep has helped thousands of businesses and organizations across Canada and internationally, to measure and improve their sustainability performance, and reduce their carbon footprint, through training, consulting, assessments, certifications, and software. For more information on GreenStep Solutions, visit www.greenstep.ca.

MEDIA CONTACT: Angela Nagy | angela@greenstep.ca | 250-215-7714