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ForeverProject

Our Commitment to Net Zero Emissions and Building a Sustainable Tomorrow 

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Boyne Resorts recognizes human-driven climate change as an urgent issue for the world, as well as for the snowsports industry. In early 2021, we formalized commitments to climate action and announced our ForeverProject. ForeverProject is an initiative to attain a sustainable tomorrow through collaboration, by positively affecting the lasting impact our resorts, team members, and guests have on the planet. Sugarloaf is committed to sustainability, and we're working hard to reduce our environmental impact at every level of resort operations.

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    • Power all operations with 100% clean electricity 
    • Reduce dependence on carbon-based fuels in existing buildings through energy efficiency upgrades and electrification 
    • Develop and implement high-efficiency green building standards for design and construction of new facility and real estate projects  
    • Upgrade our lift networks, installing the most technologically advanced lifts, and enhancing the energy efficiency of lift houses  
    • Install low-energy equipment while expanding snowmaking  
    • Add on-site renewable energy generation projects  
    • Monitor emerging technologies to identify opportunities to maximize efficiency and electrification of fleet vehicles and equipment 
    • Seek partnerships with local and/or meaningful programs to sequester carbon  

     

    • Expand composting- Sugarloaf currently collects food scraps from local restaurants and businesses that are composted on-site
    • Enhance recycling -Sugarloaf has enhanced recycling through improved signage and educational training for community members and the recent addition of a community recycling center Fall 2022. While also recycling other waste products such as engine and hydraulic oil in the garage
    • Partner with local and non-profit organizations to donate/repurpose items, from uniforms to equipment and technology 
    • Participate in community environmental clean-ups  in the spring months when the snow melts 
    • Conserve water through efficiency upgrades and utilize recycled water where possible. Sugarloaf Hotel utilizes an ozone laundry system to cut back on water usage, eliminate, and reduce chemical waste. Sugarloaf also uses Snowfluent technology which utilizes the natural purifying properties of the freezing process to remove impurities and toxins from the area's water

    • Educate team members on the purpose of specific plans and encourage their input and ideas, incorporating the ForeverProject into annual staff training
    • Be a leader in the community, educating guests about sustainability and welcoming their participation in initiatives 
    • Advocate at local, regional, and national levels for policies that promote climate solutions  

    • Invest in Team Member housing to address local housing shortages - Sugarloaf Acquired the Herbert Hotel in the 2022 season which introduced 45 additional employee beds
    • Encourage and provide options to team members to utilize sustainable modes of transportation, increasing the availability and accessibility of carpool vans and shuttles

    • Promote carpooling and sustainable transportation options to and from our properties. Sugarloaf recognizes the economic and environmental impact of commuting to work in a rural setting. To help employees get to work in a safer and more sustainable manner, Sugarloaf has provided an employee shuttle from Madison to the mountain; in addition, we’ve partnered with Western Maine Transit to provide transportation from Farmington to Sugarloaf.  
    • Collaborate with local and regional non-profits, government agencies, schools and community organizations. Through the Sugarloaf Charitable Trust, millions of dollars have been dedicated to the fight against cancer, the youth of Maine, and regional Carrabassett programs. The funds donated to these groups and programs help build a robust regional culture of community support and engagement. Sugarloaf also strives to work with local schools and non-profits to donate used gear and equipment.  
Our Sustainability Effort

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

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Mindful Efficiency

Create and maintain a culture of reduction: energy use, waste output, water impact; balanced with maximized utilization of our human, technological, natural, and financial resources.

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Tireless Conservation

Protect the natural environment unwaveringly, ensuring proper use for purposes related to outdoor recreation, and preserving or rehabilitating the land over which we are stewards.

Collaboration

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION

Support and reward outreach and partnerships that extend beyond all traditional boundaries, providing deeply valuable impact among our team members, and in our communities, industry, and environment for the long term.

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Offset Your Trip

We invite our guests to play an active role in minimizing their carbon footprint - offset your trip to Sugarloaf with our partner Tradewater.

Current Projects

Making a Difference

Sugarloaf Sustainability Coordinator

Meet Bea

Bea Johnson

Bea Johnson is Sugarloaf’s Sustainability Coordinator. Growing up in Coastal Maine, Bea always had a love for the outdoors and the environment. Bea is incredibly excited to be creating a more sustainable future for Sugarloaf as she has grown up skiing the slopes of Sugarloaf since day one. Leading up to Bea’s time at the Loaf she worked in sustainable aquaculture growth along the coast of Maine, she also spent time researching many sustainability projects including carbon mitigation at a Portland brewery, and community advocacy work to close the out-of-state waste loophole (LD 1639). She previously worked in the ski business in both retail and ski instructor positions. Bea is stoked to combine her love for the environment with skiing in this position, and plans on bringing the community together to achieve a common sustainability goal that will keep the snow on the mountain for many years to come! When Bea isn’t working you can find her sailing in Pemaquid Maine, mountain biking with her two biker puppies, or skiing.

Latest Updates

  • Boyne Resorts Moves To 100% Renewable Electric Energy Across North American Operations

    Announces Environmental Sustainability Plan and Goal of Zero Net Carbon Emissions by 2030

  • Sugarloaf Resort Switch To 100% Renewable Electricity with Renewable Energy Credits

    Boyne Resorts purchased Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to offset 100% of electricity use

  • Climate Collaborative Charter

    Four Largest Ski Industry Leaders Announce Joint Commitment to Fight Climate Change

  • Sugarloaf Upgrades 113 Snow Guns with Help from Efficiency Maine

    Sugarloaf recently received two grants from Efficiency Maine, totaling $198,000.

  • Sugarloaf 2020 Sustainability Report

    For the first time, we're publishing a comprehensive Sustainability Report. Read it here.

  • Sugarloaf Joins the Protect Our Winters Resort Alliance

    Sugarloaf is proud to say we are joining forces with Protect our Winters to combat climate change.

Aerial shot of snow-covered Sugarloaf