Walking Mountains Science Center has once again completed their Actively Green certification in 2017 for the fourth consecutive year. Just because Actively Green is a Walking Mountains Sustainability program does not mean we don't need to go through the same certifications as the rest of the Eagle County businesses currently Actively Green certified or seeking to become certified!
Actively Green certification has provided Walking Mountains, and countless other Eagle County businesses, with ways to easily monitor energy usage, waste diversion, employee engagement, and sustainable purchases. This initial step of tracking allows organizations to determine a baseline from which they are continually improving on their sustainability and stewardship initiatives.
“By tracking utilities and continuing to measure our environmental impact, we’ve ensured the ongoing success of our programs and our constant improvements in environmental stewardship,” said Kim Langmaid, Founder, Vice President & Director of Sustainability & Stewardship Programs at Walking Mountains Science Center.
Through the Actively Green program and the Sustainability Management System, the organization is able to document its environmental journey. From creating a sustainability handbook for employees, maintaining systems that make their Science Center in Avon LEED Platinum certified, and giving back to other non-profits in the community, Walking Mountains strives to both retain successful practices and to create new ones each year.
New Initiatives for 2017:
• Printing program brochures on 100% recycled paper
• Providing their staff systems to compost food scraps from their meals
• Implementing a new incentive for carpooling to work
The Actively Green program has gained considerable momentum since its inception for the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships. This program is aimed at helping businesses become more sustainable by measuring progress in three specific ways: environmental protection, economic success, and social responsibility. The Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community lists the Actively Green program as a key element in helping the local business community reduce their impact on the environment.
“The Actively Green program is a perfect example of how a local business can take actionable steps to help reach the goals of the Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community,” said Langmaid.
Sustainability isn’t an endpoint or a check off the ‘old’ to-do list. It is an evolving journey that Walking Mountains is proud to say it upholds.
If you are interested in learning more about the program or becoming Actively Green Certified, visit www.walkingmountains.org/ag to register for our next business training.
