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CRESTED BUTTE MOUNTAIN RESORT RECEIVES GOVERNOR’S ENERGY OFFICE AWARD FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Governor John Hickenlooper recognizes five Colorado businesses

MT. CRESTED BUTTE, Colo.– JULY 12 – In 2010, Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) became a charter member of the Colorado Industrial Energy Challenge (CIEC), a program set forth by the Governor’s Energy Office for industrial businesses in the state of Colorado to work together with leaders to achieve energy efficiency goals. As part of that program, CBMR set out to reduce its overall mountain operation energy consumption by two percent per year, with the base line year being measured in 2008. The resort achieved its goal and earlier this month CBMR was recognized as one of five large industrial businesses in Colorado to receive the Excellence in Energy Efficiency award from Governor John Hickenlooper.

Since 2008, through efficient conservation and smart management, CBMR has reduced its total energy use by 18.9 percent for mountain operations. A breakdown of reductions by energy sector include: electrical use down 17.2 percent; fuels down 22.3 percent; natural gas consumption down 32.1 percent; and water use down 8.3 percent. CBMR’s efforts exceeded the expected goals of the Governor’s Energy Office initiative.

Factors that contributed to this reduction include: relocation of the on-mountain terrain park and pipe area requiring less energy to pump water and air; and an investment in new Low Energy HKD snow guns that were awarded to CBMR as part of the 2010 Sustainable Slopes program. Snowmakers also decreased energy use when temperatures dipped below 15 degrees by shutting off compressed air on the snowmaking towers and just running water, saving significant amounts of energy. CBMR also utilized a sophisticated tracking system for peak energy demand loads, thus avoiding large electrical utility costs for snowmaking and lift operations.

“Our mountain operations staff is dedicated to this challenge, in continuing to make Crested Butte Mountain Resort a leader in Colorado’s quest to achieve energy efficiency,” says Ken Stone, Chief Operating Officer for CBMR. “We are proud of their accomplishments in this area of energy reduction and owe them a big thank you for their efforts.”

The five companies in the state recognized with the Excellence in Energy Efficiency award are Amgen, Boulder and Longmont, 15.5 percent reduction; Avago Technologies, Fort Collins, 28.4 percent reduction; Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Crested Butte, 18.9 percent reduction; Hunter Douglas, Broomfield, 14.5 percent reduction; and New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, 14.2 percent reduction. These five firms achieved total energy savings of 550,000 million btus per year – enough energy to supply 6,100 Colorado homes with their total energy needs – and reduced their energy costs by an average of $700,000 per year.

About Crested Butte: Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte is committed to preserving the pristine landscape and mountain lifestyle. With vibrant Victorian store fronts and expressive local characters, the small historic town remains true to its heritage and radiates an unparalleled welcoming and inviting spirit that celebrates a simpler life and time. Thanks to a widely diverse landscape, whether beginner or burgeoning national champion, outdoor enthusiasts of all levels will find a new challenge with each visit. From world-class mountain biking, to legendary skiing and snowboarding, to a secluded fly-fishing experience, Crested Butte is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets.www.skicb.com

For more information about Crested Butte's lodging, conference, meeting facilities, and special packages, call Crested Butte Vacations, (800) 600-2803 or visit the web site at www.skicb.com. For information on ski area real estate opportunities call (970) 349-4999 or (877) 805-6109 or visit the website at www.cbliving.com.

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Media Contacts:
Erica Reiter
ereiter@cbmr.com
970-349-2205

Emily McCormack
emccormack@cbmr.com
970-331-6145

970-331-6145

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