Ziptrek Ecotours

The Olympics

March 2010

The Olympics bring the world together in a wondrous and rare spirit of cooperation and friendly competition. The atmosphere it generates can give us hope when we consider the larger issues of our interconnectedness.

We recognize now more than ever how we all have a stake and play a role in the shared goal of sustainable prosperity. lt helps us remember that our current crisis is also a time of unprecedented opportunity. If we work towards our personal goals, with the bigger objectives in mind, great things can happen - a lesson Whistler has had the good fortune to learn.

Preparations for the Olympics have presented challenges for Whistler, which had committed itself to sustainable development long before it was awarded the Olympics. It was hoped the required projects would not compromise sustainable development, but rather be a model for it, and even an inspiration for visitors. As Whistler considers growth and development, it ensures that it uses all available technologies (and the industries that develop them) to build a more sustainable future. The examples are all around us.

Reduction of carbon emissions is an essential goal of any responsible community. Whistler has become home to the worId's largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses. The five-year, $89-million project, while costly, is a landmark commitment to both zero emissions technology and domestic industry. The buses, manufactured in Winnipeg and equipped with fuel cells from Burnaby’s Ballard Power Systems, are twice as efficient as internal combustion engines. They can reach 90 kph, and can travel 500 kilometres before requiring re-filling.

In a similar commitment to efficiency, the building of the Whistler Athlete’s Village for the games required the development of a sustainable energy strategy. With the assistance of B.C. based Terasen Energy Systems, the village is incorporating a district energy system that will utilize waste heat from the effluent of the waste water treatment plant. Using heat exchangers, this energy is transferred to a fluid which is pumped around the village in pipes, The fluid in the pipes is then upgraded by heat pumps in the homes to produce usable heat for space heating and domestic hot water production.

This district energy system will provide in excess of 90 percent of the annual heating requirements and up to 75 percent of the domestic hot water requirements for the village. The cost to the consumer will be equal or less than the cost for conventional heating systems. Following the games, the units will become much anticipated housing for residents. With a sustainable community as the goal, Whistler has partnered with local cutting edge businesses to mutual benefit. We can all share in a goal for sustainable growth and prosperity, but it begins with every community meeting the challenges and taking its own steps.