Crystal Mountain CEO Jim MacInnes described how the resort is using more clean energy for everyone's benefit.
A recognized pioneer in clean energy, Jim explained that as a closely held family business Crystal Mountain is able to take the long view with respect to the use of energy and other aspects of its business. Thus the resort has made significant expenditures that are paying off now and will do so even more in the future. Crystal Mountain had the region's first LEED-certified spa in 2009, pulling heat out of the pool area for spa rooms. The resort also converted to LED lighting in all public buildings, an investment that paid off in nine months.
Jim ticked off other examples of Crystal Mountain's initiatives:
- High Efficiency Motors
- Variable Frequency Drives for motors
- High-Efficiency Power Transformers
- Crystal's own Power Distribution System
- Large Diameter Snow-making Pipes
- Inn Geothermal Well Head
- Inn Heat Pumps
- Tesla Supercharging Stations
Jim's efforts on behalf of clean energy are not limited to what he does at Crystal Mountain. He also is chair of the Michigan Utility Consumer Participation Board that gets involved in rate cases before the Michigan Public Service Commission for the benefit of rate payers.