{"id":80237,"date":"2023-06-12T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-12T05:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/?p=80237"},"modified":"2024-09-16T18:03:09","modified_gmt":"2024-09-16T16:03:09","slug":"reduce-your-energy-consumption","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/reduce-your-energy-consumption\/","title":{"rendered":"How you can reduce your energy consumption in the mountains"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mountain resorts are heavily affected by climate change, largely due to their fragile ecosystems. This is one of the reasons why the Association Nationale des Maires de Stations de Montagne<\/a> (National Association of Mayors of Mountain Resorts) has signed the national charter for the sustainable development of mountain resorts. In this way, they can put in place good practices to reduce energy consumption in the mountains.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to note, that according to a study by Nature Climate Change, human activity has contributed between 0.9 and 1.3\u00b0C to global warming.<\/strong> So, how can we strive to reduce our environmental impact<\/strong> when travelling, specifically to the mountains?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article offers some practical advice on what action you can take to be a more eco-conscious traveller, including visitng a \u201cFlocon Vert\u201d or \u201cStation Verte\u201d resort, adopting sustainable transport practices, controlling your electricity and water consumption and choosing green activities in the mountains.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Choose a \u201cFlocon Vert\u201d or \u201cStation Verte\u201d destination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cStation Verte\u201d label<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cStation Verte\u201d label is a national tourism label created in 1964 by the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Fran\u00e7aise des Stations Vertes. It refers to a host area that promotes tourism that is natural, authentic, humane and respectful of the environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It aims to combine the development of rural tourism with the preservation of the land and economic dynamism. And as the first ecotourism label in France, its objective is to implement ecological and eco-responsible standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ch\u00e2tel<\/a><\/strong> and Samo\u00ebns<\/a><\/strong> are two of the resorts which have obtained the label.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"A
Samo\u00eans is one of the \u201cstations vertes\u2019 which promote eco-tourism \u00a9 Office de Tourisme de Samo\u00eans<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\n Book a stay in Ch\u00e2tel<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cFlocon Vert<\/a><\/strong>\u201d label<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This label enables resorts to embark on a process of continuous improvement in sustainable development in the mountains and strong action is needed to meet the label\u2019s criteria of excellence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was created thanks to the determination of the Mountain Riders<\/a><\/strong> association and its partners to promote responsible tourism since 2011. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Flocon Vert label has 20 eligibility criteria, broken down into four themes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Local economy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Sustainable resource management<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Governance <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Social and cultural dynamics <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Resorts which have achieved this label include Saint-Gervais<\/strong><\/a>, Combloux<\/a><\/strong>, Cordon, Morzine<\/a><\/strong>, Meg\u00e8ve, Ch\u00e2tel<\/a><\/strong>, Le Grand Bornand<\/a><\/strong> and the Chamonix Valley<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"A
    An eco-responsible label that represents a wonderful collaboration between agriculture and tourism in Ch\u00e2tel \u00a9 Ch\u00e2tel official, Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n<\/svg>\n\n\n\n

    Book a stay in the Alps<\/h2>\n\n
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    \n
    \n <\/use><\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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    \n .<\/span>.<\/span>.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n
    \n <\/use><\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Ecological measures taken by some resorts<\/h3>\n\n\n
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    Travelling by train is one way to protect the mountains\u2019 eco-system \u00a9 46173, Pixabay<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    In 2020, the French ski resorts implemented 16 eco-commitments to protect the mountains. Various measures have been taken to tackle climate change, protect biodiversity, preserve the landscape, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water management. The aim remains to achieve carbon neutrality by 2037, which means zero CO2 emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    \n Sustainable ski resorts in the Alps<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Measures are being taken in mountain resorts to reduce the electricity consumption of ski lifts, for example by reducing their speed. By going from 6 metres per second to 4 metres per second, electricity consumption is cut by half. However, the average journey time increases by just 1 minute and 30 seconds. These are all small actions which add up to sustainable practices in the mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n<\/svg>\n\n\n\n

    Visit Le Grand Bornand<\/h2>\n\n
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    \n
    \n <\/use><\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n \n
    \n .<\/span>.<\/span>.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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    \n <\/use><\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Eco-friendly accommodation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Opting for environmentally friendly or energy efficient accommodation is essential. The materials used inside and out and the accommodation\u2019s various facilities are good indicators of this.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"A
    Turn down the radiators to save energy \u00a9 TBIT, Pixabay<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Look for chalets with efficient heating and lighting systems when it comes to choosing your accommodation. According to a study, heating alone accounts for 66% of a household\u2019s energy costs. There are a number of ways to reduce this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n