Boyne Mountain Environmental Sustainability Plan

Abstract

Boyne Mountain Resort’s interest in adopting a comprehensive sustainability plan was driven by its history of environmental conservation, the growing risks to the resort industry from climate change and ecological degradation, increasing government regulations, and rising consumer interest in sustainability. However, the management team lacked the resources and expertise to devise such a plan. This project provided a site‐specific environmental design and management plan for this fourseason resort in Boyne Falls, Michigan. The overall goal was to supply the client with a set of detailed, practical recommendations that could be implemented immediately to drastically improve its environmental impact. We organized our work along four objectives: reduce energy, water, and waste; minimize ecosystem impacts through sustainable design and product sourcing; enhance consumer and employee education; and demonstrate the financial impact of more sustainable operations. The report details the industry’s best practices and Boyne’s current state practices along 128 indicators; assesses the gap between current and best practices to identify the areas for the highest potential improvement; then elaborates on recommendations for ten specific components. These components include seven renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, a composting program, a recycling program, educational gardens, Audubon sanctuary certification for the golf courses, sustainable purchasing guidelines, a green marketing plan, employee reward system, and mechanisms for financing sustainability projects. Implementation of this plan will allow Boyne Mountain to establish itself as a leader in environmental sustainability among Midwestern resorts.