How Resorts can Implement a Strategic Renewable Energy Plan - By: Marilyn Smith

Resorts across Canada, and around the globe, are becoming increasingly aware of the environment. As a result, some of these resorts demonstrate their dedication by introducing a number of innovative energy saving measures and utilizing environmentally friendly and non-polluting practices and products into the resort's day-to-day operations. The following paragraphs will address how some resorts have chosen to implement a strategic renewable energy plan, more specifically, how to capitalize on solar energy capabilities.

In a move to become totally energy self-sufficient using green power, some resorts are incorporating a 5-year energy plan that will build upon the improvements and steps that these eco-friendly resorts have already implemented. For example, one of Canada's resort properties has slowly begun to put its cottages completely off grid, serviced by solar power installations and other cabins are grid tied. The cabin's solar electric grid-tied system also charges the batteries of the electric outboard motor on the resort's water taxi.

Other resorts are relying on Solar Thermal Hot water systems for their dining rooms. Since many dishwashers, and other equipment, would normally consume an abundance of energy, some resorts are using this form of water system to make the first steps towards becoming more environmentally conscious.

Additionally, some resorts are switching to Bullfrog Power as their electricity supplier - Ontario's only 100% green Electricity Company. On the other hand, some Ontario resorts are calling for Photo Voltaic panels to be installed. These panels will produce clean power that will be fed on to the Ontario Hydro electricity grid. To help them achieve their goals, some Ontario resorts have hired Generation Solar Renewable Energy Systems Inc., a company that designs, installs, and services a broad range of renewable energy systems for residential and commercial applications. Once the solar panels have been installed, these resorts will become a registered generator of green electricity under the Ontario Power Authority's Standard Offer Program. The Standard Offer Program allows operators of small renewable energy generating facilities to participate in Ontario's electricity supply system by supplying power through their local electricity distributors and getting paid a fair and stable price for the power they provide.

Additionally, renewable energy plans are also accompanied with a complete review of the resort's current electrical consumption as well as determining ways to reduce consumption from present levels-sometimes with a reduction of 30%. To reach this goal, there is often a plan to replace all of the lodge's electric hot water tanks with on-demand high efficiency propane heaters. As well, all of the guest cottages that currently are heated by electricity will be retrofitted with wood or propane heating systems.

As Ontario's resorts become more environmentally friendly, it shows that the resort owners have a strong sense of leadership and dedication to conservation and renewable energy. Due to their sensitivity to the environment and the measures that they have taken over the years to preserve and conserve, eco-friendly lodges will remain a role model for those in the resort industry wishing to adopt sustainable and energy-saving operational practices.

About the Author

Located within the borders of world-renowned Algonquin Provincial Park, Bartlett Lodge is an upscale Ontario resort offering waterfront cottage rentals and fine dining in a pristine wilderness setting. For more information on Bartlett Lodge accommodations call 1-866-614-5355.

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