Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
Snow Space Salzburg Embraces HVO Fuel for the Upcoming Winter Season
Significant Decline in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Snow Space Salzburg to Utilize HVO Fuel for the Upcoming Winter Season
During the winter season of 2023/24, Snow Space Salzburg ski resorts will reduce their CO2 emissions by nearly half compared to the 2019/20 baseline. This move towards climate neutrality is made possible by the use of HVO fuels in all snow grooming vehicles, which constitute the largest portion of the company's CO2 footprint. This was announced by CEO Ing. Wolfgang Hettegger on November 3rd at the company headquarters in Wagrain. Hettegger reiterated the company's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by the end of the 2025/26 season.
The ski resort utilise a total of 28 snow grooming vehicles for daily maintenance across approximately 400 hectares of ski slopes. These vehicles operate for about 8 hours daily, ensuring the high-quality surface of the slopes the company is renowned for. Hettegger explained that "green" hydrogen, as an environmentally friendly and powerful fuel, is not yet available for use in commercial vehicles. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuels, on the other hand, can reduce CO2 emissions by about two-thirds compared to fossil diesel. They are produced from sources like waste oils, plant residues, or lignocellulose through additional refinement, without adding to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The raw materials already have comparable emissions bound within their lifecycle. Extensive testing with HVO fuels was conducted last winter season and has now been expanded to cover the entire ski area.
Footprint reduced to 58% of previous year
In the 2019/20 ski season, Snow Space Salzburg ski area emitted 4,148 tons of CO2. The majority of this, 64% of the total emissions, came from the fleet of vehicles. With the adoption of HVO fuels, the ski lifts can significantly reduce their ecological footprint. For the upcoming winter, the company anticipates emissions of 2,403 tons, representing a 42% reduction in CO2.
Towards Hydrogen-Powered Systems
"HVO fuels serve as a meaningful interim solution for us to achieve rapid improvement," emphasized Hettegger. In the previous season, Snow Space Salzburg tested the prototype of a snow grooming vehicle powered by hydrogen, a first among ski lift companies worldwide. "This represents the future of slope maintenance because we require high performance and long operating times, which electric vehicles currently cannot provide," added the CEO. The ski lifts plan to implement further measures to improve their CO2 balance, particularly in employee transportation and other machinery.
Certified Green Power for Ski Lift Operations
The ski resort's shuttle bus lines are gradually transitioning to electric buses, although a sufficient number of suitable vehicles is not currently available. According to Hettegger, the ski lifts and snow cannons already operate on certified green power, providing a solid foundation for low greenhouse gas emissions in another energy-intensive aspect of the business. "We are actively considering in-house energy production and have already installed initial photovoltaic systems on our ski lift station buildings, with further installations currently in the planning stages,".
Ecological Projects On and Off the Slopes
In addition to investing in climate-friendly technology, Snow Space Salzburg's sustainability concept includes numerous measures for resource conservation and ecological enhancement. Following an ecological survey of all green areas in the ski area in collaboration with an ecological institute at BOKU in Vienna, efforts are now focused on supporting biodiversity in selected test areas. The insights gained will inform plans to extend these initiatives across all 400 hectares of ski slopes in coordination with landowners.
Short Facts:
- Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
- HVO fuels serve as an efficient interim solution for snow grooming vehicles
- Overall emissions decrease by 42%
- Additional measures focus on biodiversity and water management.