Winter
Sustainability isn’t just about doing our part for the environment. It’s changing our entire business approach to how we work with our habitat, staff, and communities. Our team is taking action to advance the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals with an ambitious agenda to tackle our 7 most important UN SDG’s.
Our Sustainability Plan
We’ve achieved a number of milestones already, but we’re not stopping here.
We’ve got more work to do by 2030 with every goal measured along the way.
1. Our Environment
Our Commitment
It’s a privilege to host tours in nature. We believe we need to leave the Banff region better than we found it and contribute to conservation research, education, and environmental protection through our tours.
What We've Done So Far
We’re proud to be a Carbon Neutral Company since 2019.
- Installed 94 solar panels on our buildings
- Reduced our footprint and we offset the rest with investing in the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s – Darkwoods Forest Carbon Project
- Measured all Greenhouse Gas Emissions from operations including adding vehicle tele metrics to reduce fuel consumption and improve save driving and reduced use of plastic
Further Actions Toward Goals
- Make annual contributions towards the conservation of threatened or at-risk species
- Create new partnerships to protect species at risk through research and monitoring and habitat restoration
- Explore the potential to utilize electric and/or hydrogen vehicles in our fleet
- Improve energy efficiency in all our buildings to further reduce GHG emissions
- Install additional solar panel systems
- Reduce paper consumption through digitization and use of tree-free paper
2. Our Community Building
Our Commitment
We believe our tours strengthen our connection to the land and people. We are focusing on educating our guests, contributing to Truth and Reconciliation, respecting wildlife, and making tours accessible to our local community.
What We've Done So Far
- Annual donations to local nonprofit organizations
- Participate in the Banff Ambassador program to educate local staff
- Offer 45% discount tours for local residents
- Offer free tours & transportation to local groups
Further Actions Toward Goals
- Incorporate the history of Indigenous peoples and the traditional land into all training programs by 2023
- Ensure all staff are provided skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism
- Implement an annual scholarship for students entering post-secondary tourism programs
- Incorporate Indigenous Canada and/or other relevant courses into guide education
- Join the Banff Access Program to provide experiences to low-income residents by 2022
- Run an annual food bank drive in exchange for tours to support local food security
3. Our People
Our Commitment
We believe a healthy place to work is one that fosters holistic health including work-life balance, financial health, professional development, physical and mental health, inclusivity, and diversity.
What We've Done So Far
- Health Benefits offered to all full-time staff
- Annual staff retreats
- Mechanic apprentice program
Further Actions Toward Goals
- Introduce health-focused events and classes for employees 2023
- Offer financial management training to all staff
- Implement and maintain at or above average wages for the Bow Valley by 2022
- Introduce RRSP contribution program for long term staff by 2023
- Offer annual retreat for all staff
- Offer annual co-op position to students to gain work experience starting 2023
- Enable all staff to participate in annual skill and knowledge building opportunities