Wisconsin Ski Resort Goes Green

Cable, WI:

This project will include several unique features such as using the excess geothermal water for snow making and irrigation of the grounds and golf course.

Telemark is utilizing North American's performance financing program which provides that the saving in utilities and maintenance will pay the cost of the retrofit. Preliminary calculations indicate that the new systems will save 60% to 70% on utility cost and over 7,200 tons of emissions annually.

Telemark intends to develop environmental and alternative energy educational programs and to offer them along with other programs at their convention facilities. The Green Energy Systems will provide a hands on opportunity for Telemark to teach participants about global warming, green sustainable programs and equipment. The University of Wisconsin has started talks with Telemark about assisting in the development of and instruction for these educational programs.

The University of Wisconsin School of Architecture and Urban Planning is building an IDEA House in Milwaukee with a focus on sustainable energy, energy saving products and elimination of pollution. North American Energy has also been selected to install Geothermal and other energy saving products in that project.

Bayfield Electric Cooperative the electric utility serving Telemark and Wisconsin Focus on Energy have also indicated their willingness to support the project.

The first phase of the project is being planned for completion before the end of 2002. This schedule will enable the snow making portion to be operational this winter. And then have the meeting and convention facilities new air conditioning and ventilation system in operation by spring.