Renewable Choice Energy

Xanterra Expands its Leadership In Environmental Sustainability

sustainable-business icon by on 03/31/2009


It will reduce enough CO2 emissions over 30 years to equal taking 3,700 cars off the road.

Xanterra Parks and ResortsXanterra, the largest national and state park concessioner in the U.S. announced that will install the largest privately-owned solar energy systems in the country and the largest system in the U.S. tourism industry. The one mega-watt system will be built in Death Valley National Park and will generate one-third of the electricity needed to operate the Furnace Creek Inn and golf course as well as the offices and employee housing.

It is not surprising to hear about this significant investment in renewable energy from Xanterra. Since 2000, the company has been collecting data on the resources it uses and finding ways to reduce its consumption. Xanterra has been working hard to be at the cutting-edge of environmental responsibility for the tourism industry. It wants its visitors to know that the organization is working hard to measure its environmental performance and be accountable for it. Its environmental goals include providing quantifiable data that can be used as a benchmark for its own operations and for other businesses in its industry.

Here are some environmental programs that Xanterra has implemented as it heads down the path of sustainability.

  • First hospitality company to publish a sustainability report on environmental performance
  • Recycles grease on-site for use in biodiesel fleet
  • First national park hospitality company to receive USGBC’s LEED certification at 2 locations
  • Commits to supporting renewable energy by purchasing renewable energy credits in addition to on-site solar installations
  • First U.S. hospitality company to ban sales of certain types of endangered fish
To learn more about Xanterra's environmental initiatives, go to its webite.

Client Relations ManagerPERSONALLY SPEAKING
Xanterra is not afraid to quantify its environmental impact, track it over time and make commitments to keep themselves at the forefront of addressing environmental footprint. Businesses have an impact on the planet, so the question should not be about if a company should make changes and takes action, but how.  ~ Megan

 Megan Brown is the Client Relations Manager for Renewable Choice.