Jackson Hole Airport converts to green energy
Jackson Hole Airport has earned its green power “wings.”
Jackson Hole Energy Conservation Works (ECW) said the airport committed to 100% Green Power from Lower Valley Energy (LVE) prior to the 2018/2019 winter season. The airport conversion was the largest commercial conversion in the community and one of its largest overall.
Energy Conservation Works and LVE helped the airport evaluate its energy footprint and the costs of shifting to local, renewable electricity.
“The Airport Board is focused on preserving our environment and aligning our sustainability goals with the values of Grand Teton National Park and our community. Making the move to run all Airport managed facilities on 100% Green Power is an additional way we can support these goals,” said Jerry Blann, Jackson Hole Airport Board President
With its commitment, all of the airport’s electricity needs will be met by local and regional green power resources. That commitment equates to the average energy use of nearly 300 average Jackson homes.
Much of the power is produced at the Horse Butte Wind Farm, outside Idaho Falls. Additional green power is produced by regional wind farms and several local, micro-hydroelectric facilities owned and operated by LVE.
ECW Director Phil Cameron, “As a point of entry for so many of our visitors, and a vital community asset, to have Jackson Hole Airport running on Green Power really embodies our community ideals.” He continued, “The airport’s significant commitment to Green Power reflects a changing sentiment in Teton County that using renewable energy is becoming a standard best practice.”
Energy Conservation Works partnered with Lower Valley Energy in September of 2017, launching an effort to increase participation in the Green Power program. Since that time hundreds of residents and business owners, have chosen to switch their power to Green sources. Grand Teton National Park, the Town of Jackson and Teton County as agencies and Snow King Mountain Resort are key community entities that operate on 100% Green Power.
The International Air Transport Association has set goals to dramatically reduce emissions by 2050, obtain carbon-neutral growth by 2020, and increase efficiency every year. In addition to Jackson Hole, other green power airports across the U.S. include Fresno, Indianapolis, Minneapolis-St. Paul and San Diego.
