Alpine Resorts Sustainability Forum 2006

The Chairman of the ARCC, Mr Andrew Fairley, welcomes delegates.

The ARCC's second Alpine Resorts Sustainability Forum - 'Leading Attitudinal Change' was held on 28 April 2006. It was a great day, attended by some 120 delegates from all sectors of the industry.

Climate change was a key focus of the day and the launch of a 'Keep Winter Cool' climate change awareness program by the Minister for Environment, Mr John Thwaites, was a real highlight. The 'Keep Winter Cool' initiative encourages all of those involved in snow sports, both individuals and businesses, to do their bit to minimise greenhouse gas emissions.

The keynote speaker, Mr Arthur DeJong, spoke of how the Whistler Blackcomb resort in Canada was putting sustainability into practice and stressed that it was not enough to talk about sustainability but that resources and real effort were required.

One session of the Forum dealt with "Designing for Climate Change: Looking after Tomorrow Today". This was led by some of the State's most innovative architectural firms who spoke of the design of green buildings. A panel session covering sustainable all season visitation led to much discussion and food for thought.

All of the participants got fully involved in a series of workshops which dealt with wide ranging topics such as energy audits, community partnerships, EMS systems, eco-purchasing and accreditation. The emphasis was on hands on practical approaches.

It was a terrific day and the feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Indeed, it is evident that the Forum has already led to positive action by many participants.

All were greatly impressed with the keynote speaker, Mr Arthur DeJong of Whistler Blackcomb, Canada.

The Chairman of the ARCC, Mr Andrew Fairley, assists the Minister for Environment, The Hon John Thwaites, MP, launch the Keep Winter Cool initiative.

Forum Photo Gallery

Program and Presentations
The Forum program is outlined below. Links have been provided to copies of presentations, where available.

Welcome to delegates - Andrew Fairley, Chairman, Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council

Session 1 (Chair - Andrew Fairley)

Keynote address: Pro-actively responding to climate change: diversification, mitigation and adaption strategies at Whistler Blackcomb - Arthur DeJong, Mountain Planning and Environmental Resource Manager, Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

Launch of the "Keep Winter Cool" initiative - The Hon John Thwaites, MP, Victorian Minister for Environment

Industry responses to climate change - Ashley Blondel, Chairman of the Australian Ski Areas Association

Signing of Keep Winter Cool Charter - Minister Thwaites and representatives of Keep Winter Cool partners

Launch of Keep Winter Cool website - Andrew Fairley, Chairman, ARCC

Session 2 - Designing For Climate Change: Looking After Tomorrow Today (Session Chair - Andrew Fairley)

Green buildings and the Green Star program - Peter Mathieson, Green Property Council

Australia's first 6-star Green Star retrofit - Mark Lister, Szencorp Australia

Sustainable buildings for the alpine environment - Peter Sandow, Director, FMSA Architects

Session 3 - Delivering Outcomes (a series of concurrent workshops)

Energy audits - led by Peter Mathieson, Connell Mott MacDonald

Bringing your community with you: Alpine Walking Track and Gateways Project case studies - led by Gill Anderson, Australian Alps Liaison Committee and Chris Murray, Regional Director, NSW Department of Planning, with Arthur DeJong, Whistler Blackcomb

EMS systems: driving systemic change - led by Margaret Burnes, Environmental Management Officer, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Eco-purchasing: how to buy green - led by Adrienne Stephens, Executive Officer ECO-Buy, Municipal Association of Victoria

Eco-tourism certification - led by Frank Hubbard, Green Globe 21

Session 4 - Sustainable All Season Visitation (panel: presentations, followed by discussion) (Session Chair - Judy Ward, Chair of the ARCC All Season Committee)

Experiential products: international trends and markets - Robyn Nixon, General Manager Global Sales and Marketing, Intrepid Travel

Whistler's summer offering - Arthur DeJong, Whistler Blackcomb

Why a ski lift company is excited about summer - John Schryver, CEO Australian Alpine Enterprises

Creating icon high country experiences - Michael Leaney, President of the Walhalla & Mountain Rivers Tourism Association

Why all-seasons makes economic sense - Callum Fraser, architect and principal Zacamoco

Session 5

Drawing the threads together - Andrew Fairley, Chairman, Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council