Armstrong Group’s commitment to environmental sustainability began when Rocky Mountaineer became the first train company in North America to install sewage holding tanks on 100 per cent of its cars in 1995. We were also the first train company to implement a “no smoking” policy in 2000. As we strive to become a role model for sustainable tourism in the North American tourism industry, we are constantly developing and implementing new initiatives that will significantly minimize environmental impacts and reduce waste.
Caretakers was created by Armstrong Group to promote the development and implementation of sustainable operating policies and practices. Caretakers is also a key part of our ongoing commitment to service excellence and leadership in the tourism industry.
Caretakers encompasses many of the sustainability initiatives being undertaken by Armstrong Group, including:
An Environmental Report Card from CH2M HILL
In the spring of 2006, Armstrong Group enlisted the expertise of CH2M HILL, consultants in environmental management and planning, to undertake a complete environmental audit of our operations. The study covered Armstrong Group’s rail services, the Rocky Mountaineer Station in Vancouver, Kamloops maintenance yard, and the Thompson Hotel in Kamloops.
CH2m HILL’s report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the company’s current environmental management policies, programs, and initiatives related to solid waste and energy management. Based on the audit, we are developing a series of action plans to address areas of concern and capitalize on opportunities for improvement.
The Green Team
Employees on the front line have the most power to make positive changes from a sustainability perspective. While employees have always had the opportunity to be involved in Caretakers, the creation of the Armstrong Group Green Team gives staff an even greater voice in the future of the company.
Volunteer representatives from each operational department at Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, Gray Line West and the Thompson Hotel meet regularly to identify opportunities to improve our sustainability practices. The current focus of the Green Team is to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by 50% by the end of the 2009 season.
Reducing Waste: 50% Less Garbage by 2009
With waste reduction as a key objective, Armstrong Group is significantly increasing our commitment to recycling. A large component of the waste produced on the trains is food-related. Already the foil meal containers on the Whistler Mountaineer are being recycled, and on other routes we are testing a washing program for the plastic meal trays. The company is also exploring opportunities for composting.
Our plan is to expand the level of recycling on all Rocky Mountaineer and Gray Line West routes and the Whistler Mountaineer train by implementing new policies and partnering with recycling operators in the various communities where we operate. Alison Stewart, the Director of Environment, Health and Safety, is spearheading the waste reduction program. Working directly with the Operations staff, Alison is responsible for implementing the sustainable initiatives outlined in CH2M HILL’s environmental report.
Find out how Alison Stewart is working to make sustainability a daily part of the operations at Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.
Starting Smart: Reducing Fuel Consumption, Exhaust Emissions and Noise Pollution
Train locomotives are complex machines. Just turning them on and off can be a complicated procedure. ZTR Smart Start technology has been installed in all of Rocky Mountaineer Vacations’ locomotives. This Canadian system automatically manages the shutdown and restart of the locomotive engines, significantly reducing the idling time of the locomotives. This, in turn, means lower fuel consumption, lower exhaust emissions, and less noise pollution. It also reduces the amount of wear on rotating mechanical parts and electrical equipment.
The installation of the ZTR Smart Start technology was just one of the recommendations in the 2006 environmental audit. And it is already paying off. The cost of installing a Smart Start system is less than the annual fuel savings alone.
Green Fuel – Using Biodiesel in Coaches
In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and better the environment, Gray Line West decided to try using biodiesel fuel in five of its new motorcoaches operating in Banff and Vancouver in 2006.
The performance of the three SETRA motorcoaches operating in Vancouver and two further coaches in Banff are being monitored. If greater efficiencies are realized, Gray Line West will look to convert all of its coaches to biodiesel fuel by early 2007. With a fleet of 130 coaches in Alberta and British Columbia, such a switch could have significant environmental impacts.
Pacific Salmon Foundation: Working Together to Protect and Enhance Salmon Stocks
Salmon play an integral role in the natural environment by providing food and nutrients for a wide range of animals, including humans. Rocky Mountaineer and Whistler Mountaineer trains and Gray Line West motorcoach routes follow some of the largest and most important salmon runs in North America. So it’s appropriate that Armstrong Group should decide to enter into a long-term financial partnership with the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
Founded in 1987, Pacific Salmon Foundation is an independent organization dedicated to rebuilding healthy sustainable and naturally diverse Pacific salmon stocks. Over the past two decades, the Pacific Salmon Foundation has been involved in a wide range of programs involving restoration and education. By supporting more than 560 community and educational programs, the Foundation has encouraged tens of thousands of volunteers to become active in salmon conservation.
We are making the Pacific Salmon Foundation our primary focus over the next eight years, which includes making a significant financial contribution. Because the salmon life cycle is four years, Armstrong Group is dedicated to supporting two generations of these incredibly important fish. Armstrong Group is currently working with the Pacific Salmon Foundation to develop specific programs to be supported by the funding.
Thompson Hotel – A “Green Key” Property
In Kamloops, many Rocky Mountaineer Vacations guests will stay overnight at Armstrong Group’s Thompson Hotel. The Thompson Hotel is strongly committed to sustainability and recently achieved Three Green Keys from the Hotel Association of Canada’s Green Key Eco-Rating Program.
The Green Key Program includes a comprehensive environmental evaluation of the property looking at everything from water and energy conservation, waste management, air quality, land use, and community outreach. The Thompson Hotel’s housekeeping department received a particularly high rating for their initiatives which include implementing a towel exchange program, making recycling available in every room, purchasing recycled products wherever possible, and eliminating the use of aerosol cans.