Delta Sun Peaks Resort Hotel Honoured by BC Tourism Industry
Delta Sun Peaks Resort Hotel Honoured by BC Tourism Industry
February 17, 2009 – Sun Peaks, BC – The continued commitment of the Delta Sun Peaks Resort Hotel to reduce its footprint on the natural beauty of Sun Peaks has been recognized by the province’s tourism industry.
The four diamond hotel property was awarded the Foresight Sustainability Award at the 10th Annual BC Tourism Industry Awards in Vancouver last week as a direct result of several initiatives put into practice by the hotel surrounding energy, waste reduction and recycling, and food & beverage.
A lighting retrofit, in partnership with BC Hydro Power Smart, saw a 9% decrease in consumption. In addition, a hybrid heating system installed with Sempa Power contributed to $25,000 in savings and a reduction of 83 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in just the first 6 weeks.
“We are very fortunate to work for a company like Delta Hotels and Resorts with very supportive owners,” says Doug Avery, Chief Engineer at Delta Sun Peaks Resort. “They allow our team lots of freedom and creativity to work with local partners to find sustainable solutions that work best for our environment, making our community a better place for all.”
The Delta Sun Peaks has also taken significant steps in their food & beverage department by showcasing local and organic products to guests. Executive Chef David Tombs purchases fresh produce and meats from area farmers and ranchers, which not only encourages local and sustainable agriculture but provides guests with the freshest product available. These relationships with local farmers have also contributed to the success of the award winning Sun Peaks & Region Farmers’ Market which takes place in the Sun Peaks Village Square every Sunday during the summer months.
“We are extremely proud to share this award with our community partners and staff who practice responsible and sustainable environmental stewardship here at Sun Peaks,” comments David Tombs, Executive Chef at the Delta Sun Peaks Resort.
Ensuring long-term sustainability in the tourism industry is something the BC government has been working towards with a new program announced last October. The province, industry organizations and businesses joined together with $560,000 to create a new BC Partnership for Sustainable Tourism. That program is working to establish best practices for sustainability in tourism, among other initiatives.
“We are thrilled with the Delta Sun Peaks’ recent award,” says Anne Haight, Director of Marketing & Sales with Sun Peaks Resort Corporation. “It mirrors our ongoing commitment to conduct our operations in an environmentally responsible manner which respects the land, flora, fauna and natural processes. Sun Peaks Resort Corporation recognizes that maintaining the natural environment is essential to preserving the quality of life we enjoy now and wish to protect for future generations.”
Sun Peaks Resort Corporation was recently recertified by SAI GLOBAL, an independent auditor, for its environmental policies and controls under the International Standards Organization 14001 (Certification #026082).
The Foresight Sustainability Award isn’t the first environmental award bestowed upon businesses at Sun Peaks. BC Interior Resort. In 2006, Sun Peaks Resort Corporation was presented with Tourism BC’s Environmentally Responsible Tourism Award, and in 2007, Sun Peaks was awarded the BC Hydro Power Smart Excellent Award for an Outstanding Energy Efficiency Project. Also in 2007, the Delta Sun Peaks Resort Hotel won an Energy & Environment Award from the Hotel Association of Canada.
Communication Courtesy of Tourism Sun Peaks