In the modern economy, environmental sustainability is one factor in how businesses stand out and thrive. Each month, the Salt Lake Chamber will highlight a Utah business making positive strides for the environment and our natural resources to encourage support and innovation.
Our feature, Snowbird, has been actively prioritizing environmental health and demonstrating a deep commitment to caring for the mountains through various impactful initiatives and projects. We spoke with Hilary Arens, Director of Sustainability & Water Resources, to learn more about their sustainability efforts.
When did Snowbird start focusing on sustainability?
Innovation and a willingness to try new things have always been at the heart of Snowbird‘s values, which is why sustainability has long been a priority for us. Since 1986, we’ve proudly operated North America’s only cogeneration facility at a resort, reflecting our commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
A cogeneration plant, or combined heat and power (CHP) system, efficiently generates electricity and useful heat from a single energy source, such as natural gas. Instead of wasting the heat created during electricity production, the system captures and repurposes it for practical uses like heating buildings or producing hot water. By performing these dual functions, cogeneration systems optimize energy use, conserve resources, lower emissions and contribute to smarter, more sustainable energy solutions.
In 2021, we upgraded to Snowbird Power Systems, which powers The Cliff Lodge, Snowbird Center, the Aerial Tram and chairlifts — all while prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainability. Cogeneration plants have allowed us to be more efficient and have helped us reduce emissions.
How do you encourage sustainability amongst your employees and customers?
For people to adopt environmentally mindful behaviors, the process needs to be either easy, incentivized or ideally both — especially since eco-friendly actions often require a bit more effort or time. At Snowbird, we focus on making sustainability accessible and rewarding.
We introduced a carpool and bus program this year to support greener transportation. Carpoolers can earn exciting incentives like complimentary breakfast, half-priced tickets and even exclusive early chairlift access for the most dedicated participants. To further simplify sustainability, we provide UTA bus passes to our season pass holders and employees, making public transit an easier choice.
Additionally, we updated our carpool parking policy to require three or more passengers and significantly increased the number of reserved spaces for carpoolers. By combining convenience with meaningful rewards, we aim to inspire more people to embrace environmentally conscious habits while enjoying all Snowbird has to offer.
What advice would you give to other businesses wanting to improve their sustainability efforts?
For businesses looking to improve their sustainability efforts, my advice is to start small and build incrementally. Focus on changes that balance clear financial benefits with environmental impact — this creates a win-win scenario that makes sustainability an integral part of your business model. Demonstrating a return on investment for eco-friendly initiatives not only builds buy-in but also ensures long-term success.
Another effective strategy is identifying someone passionate about sustainability within your organization. Empower them to spearhead projects that align with your goals and deliver measurable outcomes, both environmentally and financially. For example, Snowbird’s Power Systems was a significant upfront investment, but over time, it will yield environmental improvements while driving cost savings — proving the value of such initiatives. Starting with manageable, impactful steps paves the way for meaningful progress and demonstrates that sustainability is not just an ideal but a smart business strategy.
What has the customer response been to your sustainability initiatives?
Customer feedback on our sustainability initiatives has been overwhelmingly positive. When selecting a resort, guests often consider not only the quality of the snow but also how well a resort aligns with their personal values. Snowbird stands out as a destination for environmentally conscious visitors, thanks to our commitment to sustainability.
This appeal is further strengthened by our collaboration with other like-minded resorts in Utah. By working together, we share best practices and collectively contribute to preserving the natural environment that makes our state so unique. It’s inspiring to see how our efforts resonate with guests and fellow industry leaders, creating a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
What is your favorite outdoor place in Utah?
My favorite outdoor place in Utah is Little Cottonwood Canyon. With my background in water quality from the Division of Water Quality, it’s incredibly fulfilling to combine that expertise with my dream job at the resort. Working at the top of the watershed, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to water improvement initiatives that directly impact this pristine environment. It’s been a true blessing to have the support of a company that prioritizes ethical values and environmental stewardship. Their commitment has made this experience even more rewarding and underscores the importance of preserving such a beautiful and vital natural resource.
To read other sustainability stories, click here.
