Ski resorts, COP26 and carbon footprints
Ski resort owners are amongst the most ardent proponents of carbon neutrality given the threat of rising temperatures to their way of life.
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According to a survey by saveoursnow.com, a third of the world’s 250 leading ski resorts are now using 100% renewable energy, whilst 60% have adopted renewable energy in some form.
Groups such as Protect our Winters and France’s Flocon Vert (Green Snowflake) awards are promoting the reduction of carbon footprints, setting out policy recommendations and lobbying governments.
Chamonix and Megève are two of just nine resorts to receive the Flocon Vert for their pioneering climate and energy action plan. Whilst in the US, Aspen has won the Golden Eagle Award for its action on climate change.
Villars-sur-Ollon is working on a variety of sustainable projects including a fleet of hybrid public buses, low-energy snowmaking systems and introducing solar panels on public buildings.
The Three Valleys which includes the Courchevel resorts and Méribel now buys in the renewable energy which fuels all of its on-mountain operations.
What about ski home purchasers?
As the world gears up for Cop26, our Global Buyer Survey confirms that ski home purchasers are also thinking carefully about what steps they can take to reduce their carbon footprint.
Of those respondents who said they were more likely to buy a ski home, 90% said the energy efficiency of a home would be ‘important’ or ‘very important’ to them.
Aside from real estate, transport is another high-emission source. According to research by carbon measurement consultancy, Best Foot Forward, a one-way journey by plane from London to Val Thorens produces 82kg CO2 per passenger. The equivalent journey by train produces only 14kg CO2 per passenger.
Although the energy efficiency of a ski home is not one of the first questions posed by most buyers, Covid-19 has shone a light on the extent to which our health is connected to that of the environment which may yet act as a catalyst for change.
If you are seeking a 'home from home' in the Alps, or have an alpine property that you are thinking to sell, why not speak with our Alpine specialists for further advice on where, why, and how to buy and sell in the mountains.