QUESTIONS TO LAURENT VAUCHER, DIRECTOR OF TÉLÉVERBIER

What is the environmental impact of skiing and what are you doing about it?

The operation of our ski lifts generates very little CO2. This is because we use electricity from low-carbon sources, such as hydroelectric power. The biggest carbon footprint comes from the movement of customers from their place of residence to the ski resort. To reduce the carbon footprint of skiers, we have increased alternative ways of getting around by promoting rail transport (for example, the Verbier Express) and by extending the operating hours of the Le Châble-Verbier cable car. This means that anyone who wants to get to Verbier early in the morning and leave again late in the evening can do so by using public transport.

During each construction phase, we carry out a series of offsetting measures that are agreed with the canton of Valais and the Confederation to minimise the impact on flora and fauna.

What are Téléverbier’s future plans in terms of sustainability? How far do you want to go?

We aim to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and generate our own electricity. While we still produce carbon emissions from our snow-grooming vehicles, the technology for replacing internal combustion engines is not yet perfected. However, projects based on electric batteries or hydrogen fuel cells are well advanced and we expect to see a solution on the market in the mid-term.

By then, we will have reached zero emissions. In terms of electrical energy production, we have launched a study to identify all the ideal spots for installing solar panels or other clean technologies on our land. This will help us to safeguard ourselves against the impact of possible energy shortages and increase the production of green energy.

THE COMMUNE OF VAL DE BAGNES OUTLINES ITS ENVIRONMENT PLAN

Marie-Luce Duroux-Barman, Quality Manager, and Corinne Dettwiller, the Sustainability Officer of the commune of Val de Bagnes, tell us about the environmental challenges the municipality is facing and the action it is taking to address these issues.

How is the Commune of Val de Bagnes tackling environmental issues?

Two years ago, we put together a sustainability team consisting of leaders and managers from the administration. Starting in July 2023, we welcomed a sustainability delegate to lead this group, fostering collaboration across all departments. From a political standpoint, the local council is deeply committed to putting sustainability at the top of our agenda. Our legislative program outlines actions taken and planned in six key sectors, like tourism and the environment.

Internally, we’ve taken action too. We introduced guidelines for eco-friendly purchasing and earned ongoing certifications, like the esteemed «Cité de l’énergie» label.

What are the key initiatives you have already undertaken?

We’ve already rolled out a number of significant initiatives. One major focus is providing grants to residents and businesses, encouraging the adoption of sustainable energy practices such as electric transportation, improved insulation, and environmentally friendly heating. But we haven’t stopped there. We’re also supporting mountain farming by distributing vouchers to our residents to buy local food.

When it comes to energy, we’ve taken an innovative approach by establishing Energithèque, in collaboration with our partner ALTIS. This is a one-stop shop for residents seeking to

reduce their environmental impact. Within this platform, experts offer customised guidance and assistance. One of our programs is «My Community and Me». Spanning seven months, a dedicated specialist assists local households in evaluating their carbon footprint and pinpointing methods to decrease it through adjustments in housing, transportation, and dietary decisions.

How important is tourism to the local authority’s sustainability strategy?

Tourism is the main issue for Val de Bagnes with one of our main priorities being transportation. We’re collaborating with partners like TMR and TéléVerbier on a strategy that covers both travelling to and within the resort. To connect to Verbier, the «Verbier Express» links Geneva to Le Châble directly during the winter. The Le Châble-Verbier cable car is now integrated into the public transport system with varied schedules.

Locally, we introduced a complimentary shuttle service and a ski school meeting point accessible only by shuttle. This has helped alleviate congestion in the mornings. One area that’s less publicised, we’ve developed a program for local hotels, focusing on cutting down food waste and offering complimentary bio-waste collection from the catering sector. We’re also partnering with real estate agents and property managers to promote building renovations, focussing on Verbier due to its significant energy-saving potential, where local authority grants are readily available.

What is the region’s situation in terms of electricity production and consumption? What about the water supply? Is there anything you can do?

Altis holds the responsibility in this domain, a company jointly owned by municipalities in the region, including Val de Bagnes. They provide the area with water, electricity and heat. Electricity consumed within the municipality, including Verbier, is fully sourced from renewable energy, primarily through hydroelectric production. When it comes to heating, Verbier has a smart setup with a carbon-neutral district heating system powered by wood pellets. It currently serves about 700 buildings, and has resulted in significant savings on heating oil.

Water conservation is always on the agenda too. Thanks to Altis’ innovation hub, Blueark Entremont, we’re always brainstorming clever ways to make the best use of our water. One standout project is Odile, which is giving local farmers a hand in using less water while boosting their crop yields.

MEASURES TAKEN BY THE SKI AREA

With the environment very much top of everyone’s agenda, the Téléverbier ski lift company has introduced a number of measures to minimise the impact of winter sports and tourism on the natural surroundings.

Leaving no aspect unaddressed, Téléverbier is actively working on various fronts. This includes ski lifts, snow grooming, snowmaking, transportation, building management and energy usage. The company is dedicated to improving energy efficiency and minimising its carbon footprint. For instance, the majority of the electrical energy used by Téléverbier is sourced from hydroelectric production in Valais. They have reduced the operating speed of ski lifts to conserve over 10% of energy and extend the lifespan of machinery. Additionally, they employ state-of-the-art snow cannons for mechanical snowmaking, producing high-quality snow with less water and energy compared to older models. These are just a few examples from a long list of measures, all contributing towards a more environmentally conscious mountain environment.

Click here to read more about Téléverbier’s work towards minimising environmental impact.