LAKEWOOD, Colo. - The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has launched a new on-line environmental database at www.nsaa.org. The "Green Room" environmental database is another milestone for the industry's Sustainable Slopes environmental program, launched in June 2000. Approximately 75 percent of the U.S. resort industry has endorsed the Sustainable Slopes program, which includes a comprehensive set of Environmental Principles aimed at improving resorts' environmental performance across the board.

Media and the public can enter the Green Room to obtain information on innovative actions that resorts are taking under twenty-one (21) different environmental topics--from water quality to wildlife habitat to energy conservation. Resort contact information is provided for each project or program, as well as links to resort websites and/or environmental web pages. "Resorts can use the database as a resource in environmental decision-making and to share ideas on tested programs or projects that will enhance environmental performance," said Michael Berry, NSAA president. The database also identifies those resorts that have received national environmental excellence awards from Time4 Media's Mountain Sports Media, publishers of SKI, SKIING and other publications. The Green Room is user-friendly, allowing visitors to search for information by resort name, environmental topics, or using a keyword search.

"The Green Room is full of concrete examples of resorts implementing Sustainable Slopes for the benefit of the environment," said NSAA Public Policy Director Geraldine Link. "It is an impressive collection and demonstrates the industry's strong commitment to environmental stewardship."

NSAA will update the Green Room annually. It can be accessed on the "Industry Information and Resources" side of www.nsaa.org. Simply click on "Environmental Charter" to find it.

The National Ski Areas Association serves as the trade association for ski area owners and operators. The association began in 1962 and is located in Lakewood, Colorado.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff