Image: www.fairmont.com
The Fairmont Green Partnership
In 1990, Fairmont began promoting sustainable practices in all of their Canadian hotels. Today, Fairmont International is a partner in the World Heritage Alliance, a joint initiative of the United Nations Foundation and Expedia, Inc., to promote conservation, sustainable tourism, and economic development for communities located in and around World Heritage sites.
Fairmont has become a global leader in environmental stewardship with their properties establishing signature eco-innovation and green projects in many of their world class hotels. The Fairmont Algonquin at St. Andrew’s-by-the-Sea is a prime example.
For the love of the land…and the song of the sea
Though the stately and historic Tudor-style hotel (dating back to the 1880s) is definitely a draw along with a world-class golf course, Fairmont recognizes the star attraction is the natural surroundings. St Andrew’s-by-the-Sea is famous for its beaches and hiking trails and the Algonquin takes its intrinsic ties to nature seriously. Fairmount wants the area to remain pristine and unspoiled, not only for guests but for the community and future generations.
The first step toward conservation was developing a comprehensive recycling program. This program led the Algonquin to receive the 2003 New Brunswick Environmental Leadership award for reducing, reusing and recycling practices. But they didn’t stop there.
The right stuff for the right whale
Right whales, named by whalers who considered them the "right" whales to hunt (they are rich in blubber and slow swimmers) are now on the endangered species list. Today, there are only 300 of these magnificent mammals left. The Fairmont Algonquin has adopted a right whale to promote their conservation and to encourage research. They will also soon build an "educational focal point” in the hotel showing whale migration patterns, conservation and de-tangling programs. They are also in partnership with the Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station to encourage proper whale watching etiquette.
New greens for golf course and grounds
High flying ideals have certainly gotten off the ground with Fairmont Algonquin’s partnering with the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP). In order to certify their golf course remains bird and wildlife sanctuary, Fairmount complied with the Audubon's six different categories of management and planning: environmental, wildlife and habitat, integrated pest management, water quality, water conservation, outreach and education. In keeping with this ongoing certification initiative they intend to keep their golf greens greener and maintain the grounds in a more environmentally friendly manner. Trials of alternative organic fertilizers made of fish by-products are already underway.
The Algonquin's famous porch with grand columns is waiting for you. Come and enjoy a cocktail with the cool ocean breeze blowing and feel good about going green. Visit Fairmont’s other environmentally friendly hotels and resorts at www.fairmont.com.
Susan Campbell is a Montreal-based travel writer.
Green Living Network
