On the Track To Sustainability
Who Are We? • Founded in 1990, RMV has grown into one of Canada’s leading luxury vacation providers • The largest privately held passenger rail company in North America • Locally owned by the Armstrong Group and headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia • Armstrong Group employs over 1400 people • Sales representation in 18 markets around the world
Who Are We? AG also owns and operates: • Gray Line West with operations in Vancouver, Victoria, BC and Banff, Alberta • Over 140 modern and luxurious motorcoaches
• Rocky Mountaineer Station in Vancouver • For receptions, dinners or trade shows • 20,000 sq.foot multipurpose facility
Our Train Routes
Commitment to Excellence
World Travel Association Award – 2005 and 2006 "World's Leading Travel Experience by Train�
50 Best Employers in Canada as ranked by the Globe and Mail in 2007
Beginnings of Sustainable Development
• 1995 – voluntary installation of holding tanks on 100% of our rail coaches • 2000 – voluntary ban on all smoking onboard our trains • 2004 – commitment by ownership and board to do more • 2005 – creation of the position Director, Sustainable Development
Real Focus in 2005
• Given a “blank canvas” to work with – make it happen • I am not a traditional sustainable development practitioner • Steep learning curve • Modest budget
Our Sustainable Development Vision
Armstrong Group will become an industry leader in developing, implementing and advocating innovative and sustainable tourism policies and programs
Key Strategies
1. Contribute to the economic and social well being of the key communities in which we travel through 2. Take significant steps to protect the environment 3. Develop programs and policies that support and acknowledge the history of Canada’s heritage in the regions in which we operate 4. Support and enhance employee retention programs – be a company of choice 5. Educate our staff, guests and suppliers about our sustainability goals – be a role model within the North American tourism sector.
Where Are We At?
Economic • New routes = new opportunities • Hired locally; sourced locally • Focus on promoting and writing about the region ¾ Website ¾ Onboard materials ¾ Travel writers ¾ Postcard ¾ DVD’s
Economic
Social/Cultural • Onboard commentary reflects the history and culture of the regions and communities • Donation of trips worth over $250,000 every year to charitable organizations • Unused food donated to local food banks • Support of community events • Development of GLW ‘Best Practices Guide’
Environmental • Our biggest challenge • Some communities don’t have recycling opportunities • Limited space onboard the trains • “Protecting” the guest experience • Lack of in-house expertise • Implemented an audit • Developed a plan – established a benchmark to measure success
Environmental In 2006 guest waste volume on the Rocky Mountaineer and Whistler Mountaineer generated 248 tons or 496,000 pounds of garbage
Environmental Action Steps – 2007 • Reduce garbage diverted to landfill by 10% - targeting to 50% by end of 2009 season • Test either a re-usable or compostable meal tray • Establish an AG ‘Green Team’ • Develop an environmental policy for AG • Implement re-usable dishes and cutlery in all crew cars • Increase recycling on all rail routes
Environmental
Environmental
Key Learning • It’s made an impact • Employees are engaged • Guests are engaged • Celebrate successes • Develop a plan • Start small • No idea is insignificant • It’s a journey • Communicate your plan
http://www.rockymountaineer.com/sustainable_development/
Next Steps • We’ve just begun the journey • Learning around every corner • Engage and involve employees and guests • Find like-minded partners to share ideas with
A Leader in Sustainable Development In 2007, Armstrong Group was recognized with the Foresight Sustainability Award “By exhibiting outstanding vision, particularly in the midst of formidable challenges in the operating environment, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations demonstrates not only bottom-line success, but also adds significant value to the province in a social/cultural, economic and environmental context” – Tourism BC
Thank You! irobertson@rockymountaineer.com rockymountaineer.com whistlermountaineer.com graylinewest.com