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January 25, 2007
WINTER X GAMES 11 GREENER THAN EVER
X Games Environmentality: Eco-Action through Action Sports.
ASPEN, Colo. - ESPN Winter X Games 11, scheduled to take place Jan. 25-28 in Aspen/Snowmass, will expand upon a steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility through X Games Environmentality (XGE) and proactive support from Aspen Skiing Company as well as other local groups. After the successful launch of XGE in 2006, X Games continues to set the standard for environmental excellence in the production of sporting events. Environmental initiatives at Winter X Games 11 will focus on the following: the use of renewable energy, reducing waste through recycling and composting, the use of sustainable materials wherever possible and an enhanced staff and spectator education program.
XGE is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the responsible use of natural resources. Following the lead of Aspen Skiing Company, ESPN will utilize wind energy credits as an alternative source of energy for the Games. As a result, 100 percent of carbon and electrical emissions created by the Winter X Games will be subsidized with wind energy credits. To accomplish this, clean energy generated by wind farms throughout the United States will be added to the national energy grid, thereby lowering the demand for fossil fuels. Aspen Skiing Company also uses biodiesel fuel in their snowcats and Roaring Fork Transportation Authority operates the spectator and staff shuttles with clean-hybrid technology.
To further decrease carbon emissions, XGE is also planting a selection of trees on behalf of all athletes participating in Winter X Games 11. In their honor, Lodgepole Pines and Douglasfir trees will be planted in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest, located in Colorado, to contribute to the reforestation following devastating fires that took place in 2005.
"The ESPN X Games attracts a young demographic, and that puts us in a terrific position to lead by example in increasing environmental education and awareness for future generations," said Chris Stiepock, X Games General Manager. "Our sports depend on a healthy environment, and we're proud of our efforts to preserve natural resources in any way we can."
XGE also extends into green purchasing and use of environmentally sensitive, sustainable materials throughout event venues whenever possible. In the staff catering area, utensils, plates and cups made from renewable natural fibers, such as corn, sugarcane, and wood pulp are being provided.
A comprehensive recycling and composting program will again be implemented with receptacles placed throughout the venue in which spectators can recycle traditional items and compost biodegradable materials, such as food waste and paper products. Behind the scenes, additional landfill diversion measures are in place to recycle paper, cardboard, electronics, construction materials, and plastic shrink wrap. In an effort to ensure maximum recovery of these materials, recyclables will be processed at a specialized facility. The success of the recycling program at Winter X Games 10 in Aspen, Colo. last January resulted in 37 tons of waste being diverted from the landfill. Last summer, compost collection and recycling efforts at X Games 12 in Los Angeles diverted 71 percent of the event waste and more than six tons of nutrient-rich soil was produced from spectator and staff food waste collected on-site.
Aspen/Snowmass has been the Winter X Games host since 2002 and will remain there through 2010. Efforts made in the areas of habitat protection and enhancement, energy and water efficiency, green development, waste management, recycling and alternative transportation are what elevated Aspen Skiing Company to serve as the country’s Green Leader in the mountain resort industry.
For more information, visit www.xgamesenvironmentality.com.
Posted by Dina at January 25, 2007 11:25 AM
