News / Business
Green Clean Institute and the Olympic Connection
Grouse Mountain Resort is an Example of Green Destinations
Grouse Mountain's first lodge was hand-built by Scandinavians in the 1920s. They hauled planks up what would become the Grouse Grind hiking trail for the venture. Another company wanted to build a funicular railway for a private resort on the mountain, though that venture never materialized. By the 1930s, a toll road was build to the top via the slope of what is now the mountain's primary ski run.
Vancouver and the Pacific Ranges would seem to be naturally enhanced by the proximity to the ocean, mountains, and forests. One might wonder if "Going Green" was actually necessary for a place like Grouse Mountain resort. There is an impact by any business on the community. This goes beyond what is called the carbon footprint. Every business consumes products, creates waste, and creates wear and tear on nature. The goal is to keep such impact at a minimum and restore the land whenever possible.
Though many may not realize that the janitorial service is one of the first places that a Green program can start. The indoor air quality is one of the key factors for any business. Dust, dirt, pollen, and mold are a few of the hundreds of ingredients found in the air. Janitorial services introduce cleaning products that may have volatile organic compound that get into the air. Old vacuum and dusting tools may stir up more dust than they remove. This is where HEPA vacuums and microfiber tools do a much better job in removing dust and debris.
Grouse Mountain Resort has had its janitorial staff certified by the Green Clean Institute since 2009. While this was not required of the management at Grouse Mountain, the effort to go Green has been strongly supported by the management of the resort. In house cleaning programs can be helped by Green certification as more people subscribe to the eco-tourism thought of staying in Green facilities. Canadian firms seeking GCI certification can go to www.GreenCleanInstitute.ca - United States firms should go to www.GreenCleanInstitute.com
