A series introducing ski resorts that are members of the Sustainable Resort Alliance (hereinafter referred to as SRA), which was started by POW, and are actively working on climate change and sustainability initiatives. The top batter is Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, which appeared last year with the opening of STEEP's new "THINK SNOW" corner. The company established Japan's first SDGs department at a snow resort and introduced its advanced efforts to address climate change. A year has passed since then, and we caught up with Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, which has undergone further evolution.
Pioneering efforts
HAKUBA VALLEY, Japan's leading ski area, is made up of 10 ski resorts, but Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort is said to be the most popular ski resort in Hakuba.
Actually, it is operated by two companies, and Happoone Development Co., Ltd. is one of them. We were the first ski resort in Japan to set up an SDGs department, and we have been more advanced in our efforts than anywhere else. We have already achieved a 100% switch to renewable energy for our own lifts, supported POW's activities, and entered into a partnership in 2020.
The progress of Japan's ski resorts toward sustainability cannot be told without Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort.
In April 2023, when we launched "THINK SNOW" at STEEP, we visited Hideki Akimoto, who is in charge of the SDGs marketing department at Happoone Kaihatsu Co., Ltd., and introduced his efforts towards SDGs. . The outline of its contents was as follows.
● Switching to renewable energy for lifts operated by Happoone Development Co., Ltd. from the 2020-21 winter season
● Disseminating SDGs initiatives via newsletter to over 10,000 registered users of online lift ticket sales
● Installing an SDGs panel to disseminate information within the company
● Holding environmental seminars
● Interview survey about environmental issues
● Switching facility electricity to LED
● Lift ticket recycling
● Installation of bio toilet
● Summer learning trip program with the theme of SDGs
Such
In April of the last 23-24 season, we were able to switch all 13 trains operated by Happo-One Development Co., Ltd. to renewable energy. In just three years, it has become a hot topic in the snow industry.
Click here for more details!
A year has passed since then, and has there been any progress or changes in the initiative?
With high hopes for SRA, I asked Mr. Akimoto again.
Looking back on the past year
"Currently, 72% of the entire Happo-One Ski Resort has switched to renewable energy. It is difficult to completely switch to renewable energy because multiple companies are responsible for the operation, but our company's lifts are 100% switched to renewable energy. We have already completed the shift to renewable energy.If we include all of our businesses, such as hot spring facilities, decarbonization is about 80%.The rest is due to power price issues and technical issues that need to be overcome. I
think the only way to solve the price problem is to reduce the amount of electricity we use and save labor.The other option is to generate our own electricity.We are considering whether we can work with the government to generate small-scale hydroelectric power. We are continually looking for ways to do so.”
Mr. Akimoto said this. His vision has expanded to the creation of natural energy, and he has already begun to take action.
Educational trip SDGs program and “Mt. Oraga”
``In terms of notable changes over the past year, I would say it's the school initiatives.Two female staff members from the SDGs department planned a program to learn about the SDGs on a learning trip, with the theme of conservation activities for Hakuba's vegetation. I am.
In Hakuba, there is a zone called ``Jamongan'' that extends from the foot of Happo-one to an altitude of 2,000m, but a rare phenomenon of reversal of vegetation is occurring there, and the area was originally 2,500m above sea level. Plants that are supposed to grow in the high mountains of Happo-one can be found in lower areas from Kurohishidaira to Happo Pond. In other words, it is a rare environment where alpine plants grow at low altitudes.
Local people have always cherished this. The people of Hakuba have endless love and pride for this beautiful and rare mountain. I would like people to learn more about the strong desire and enthusiastic activities of the people of Hakuba to protect Mount Oragayama. The number of requests for such experiential nature learning excursions gradually increased, and the project got off the ground, and little by little we started to make money.
The two female staff members in the SDGs department are now able to talk about their own initiatives with confidence, and are now able to apply the SDGs perspective to other tasks, gaining new perspectives. did it. This is also a happy result."
This is the educational travel SDGs program teaching material.
Hakuba's unique natural environment and rich vegetation are carefully introduced, and on top of that, problems that threaten the natural environment, such as climate change, are explained from the perspective of SDGs, making it very easy to understand! The content is great and will get you interested in thinking about Hakuba's environmental issues.
If you click on the cover of the teaching material, you can see the contents, so please take a look.
Trial implementation of “POW Ticket” will start from February 20, 2024!
On February 20th, Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort began the trial introduction of the ``POW Ticket,'' which has been under consideration by SRA. Less than three months after the launch of SRA in December 2023, the action was surprisingly speedy, and this is also due to the strength of Happo, who is said to be the hero of Hakuba.
"POW Ticket" is a special ticket with a donation added to the regular one-day lift ticket. The 300 yen donated will be used for the ski resort's sustainability efforts, meaning that by purchasing this POW ticket you can directly support the ski resort's efforts.
Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort plans to use donations from users to maintain the forest at the ski resort.
The official website states, ``Maintaining a rich forest environment promotes photosynthesis and increases the absorption of carbon dioxide.Reducing carbon dioxide leads to the prevention of global warming and landslides. By doing so, we can both ensure the safety of the ski resort course and the tree run area.''
In addition, ski resorts that are members of the SRA and will be introducing POW tickets in the future will be required to publicize the methods and results of how donations will be used. I look forward to seeing how the actions of each person contributing through POW Tickets will be returned to the environment.
There are also more immediate support actions that individuals can take. Currently, POW is holding a "Support with one click" campaign. Please feel free to participate, as the information is posted at the end of this page.
Current issues and potential solutions of SRA
Overtourism is currently occurring in Hakuba, with tourists from overseas coming in at a faster rate than before the coronavirus pandemic.
The issue of garbage is a particularly troubling issue. Akimoto says. "Customers who aim for green ways of skating and playing with the awareness of protecting this precious nature together are connected through SRA. I think it would be interesting if we could create a system for raising awareness and excursions like you do at a ski resort.
Customers who want to work with us to achieve what we are trying to do together with POW will realize their own sustainability together with the ski resort. For example, I think this is a shortcut to solving the current garbage problem. I was thinking that the alliance could go in that direction. Highly conscious customers gather at a green ski resort and individually engage in sustainable initiatives. I hope that this kind of ``loyal customer'' will grow in the alliance.''
A true pioneer.
Mr. Akimoto's idea is the future of the Sustainable Resort Alliance that POW hopes to create. Based on alliances, the number of loyal customers increases and circulates actively, and the circle of initiatives expands even more by connecting with resorts. In order for that day to come, what can we do as a user to take this issue personally?
The next time you go skiing, why not plan your snow trip from the perspective of a green ski resort?
the person who taught me
Akimoto
Hideki
Happo-One Development Co.
Executive Officer General Manager of Sales and Administration Headquarters
Born in Tokyo. After gaining experience in the restaurant business and trade, he has been involved in Hakuba since 1998.
Moved in 2005.
2015 Appointed General Manager of Sales Headquarters.
2016 Appointed Executive Officer Oversees the management and sales departments. Currently, he serves concurrently as vice chairman of the Happo-One Tourist Association and is working to revitalize the region.
Information Hakuba Happo One Ski Resort
◆Official website: https://www.happo-one.jp/
◆Official SNS: Instagram ｜ Facebook ｜ X (formerly Twitter) ｜ YouTube
Interview cooperation/ Happoone Development Co., Ltd./POW JAPAN
Support with one click! Campaign ~ until the end of March!
I want to continue skiing on my home slope or at my favorite ski resort where I have fond memories.
Let's support your special ski resort to become a green ski resort by working on "decarbonization and sustainability"!
POW JAPAN will propose membership in the "SUSTAINABLE RESORT ALLIANCE" to the "ski resorts you want to support" that you answered in this campaign, and support for decarbonization and sustainability.
＞ Click here to
Upcoming ski resorts in the series (planned)
, Able Hakuba Goryu
, Katashina Kogen Ski Resort
, Smile Resort
, Tokyu Land Corporation
Information POW JAPAN
◆Official website: https://protectourwinters.jp/
◆Official SNS: Instagram ｜ Facebook ｜ YouTube