Sustainability
Minimizing Our Impact On The Planet
Frost Valley YMCA is committed to protecting the environment and the health and safety of our employees, guests, and wider community. Some of our earliest environmentally responsible business practices include a strong focus on conserving energy, water, and other natural resources; recycling and purchasing recycled products; and reducing our use of toxic cleaning products. We remain committed to these goals and maintain our high standards for the comfort and enjoyment of all our guests. Over the years we have expanded our efforts in many areas.
Our Sustainability Statement:
At Frost Valley YMCA, we implement sustainability practices to reduce our carbon emissions, protect the ecosystem, and responsibly source our food and energy. Our ongoing projects are designed to minimize our impact on the planet and to incorporate quality educational opportunities.
Frost Valley’s Sustainable Practices Include:
- Composting all of our food waste on-site. Tours of our facility are available. We also compost the paper to-go cups and dye-free napkins available in our dining hall.
- Using Green Seal-certified, non-toxic cleaning products, as well as EcoLogo soft tissues and paper towels made from recycled content. We also purchase 30% recycled content office paper.
- Using energy-efficient LED and CFL light bulbs throughout camp, with motion sensors in most of our low traffic areas. We converted all of our exterior lights to LEDs.
- Using online tracking software to help us evaluate electricity and propane usage and set goals for conservation and efficiency. We’ve conducted an energy audit in 80% of our year-round buildings.
- Five solar thermal hot water systems and a 4.2 kW off-grid rooftop solar PV system.
- A 672-panel solar array that provides 35 percent of Frost Valley’s electrical needs by providing 280,000 kilowatt-hours per year of electricity, which equates to the consumption used in 50 residential homes. Over its 30-year life, it will save us from burning 1050 tons of coal – a savings of 200,000 pounds of Carbon Dioxide that will not be emitted into the atmosphere.
- Two Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations available for registered guests and staff at our Main Camp location.
- Participating in the Green Concierge Project and obtaining a Silver Tier Green Concierge Certification through HospitalityGreen, recognizing our commitment to energy and water conservation, waste reduction, staff sustainability training, and the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products and recycled paper.
- Convening an interdepartmental Green Team. Members of staff have participated in an onsite Green Facility Training.
- Adopting over 3 miles of Claryville Road and maintaining litter control through an annual all-staff clean-up to celebrate Earth Day.
- Recycling glass, plastic, aluminum, tin, paper, and cardboard and upgrading our signage and receptacles to maximize collection.
- Disposing of hazardous waste according to state regulations. We recycle all of our electronic waste and CFL light bulbs.
- Committing to upgrading all of our sinks, showerheads, and toilets to water-conserving models.
- Requesting that our food contractor source local produce whenever • possible, and our food contains zero trans-fats. In addition, we serve rBGH-free milk, Fair Trade coffee, sustainably sourced seafood, and poultry and meats produced without antibiotics.
- Manufacturing our own maple syrup and practicing forestry conservation.
- Growing vegetables and berries and raising beef for our Farm Camp dining hall. 200 chickens produce eggs for our East Valley locations during the summer and Main Camp during the school year.
- Growing vegetables, herbs, and apples in our Main Camp Orchard and Greenhouse and offering classes on organic gardening, healthy cooking, and apple cidering.
- Guests can participate in service days that have included invasive species removal, energy auditing, and improving our greenhouse and farm spaces. We offer an energy awareness class and sustainability tour.
Frost Valley’s Green Awards
Green Concierge Certification
Frost Valley YMCA has maintained a Green Concierge certification through Hospitality Green since 2011 and achieved Silver Tier Certification in April of 2015. The Green Concierge (GC) Project was conceived by HospitalityGreen, a New York-based consulting firm specializing in environmental and operations consulting services. The GC Project works with tourism and lodging facilities throughout the U.S. to help improve their economic vitality and their sustainable business practices without compromising service delivery or customer satisfaction. The GC Project, through generous funding from the Empire State Development (ESD) and the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC), was launched in 2010 and is currently being implemented by HospitalityGreen throughout the Catskill Watershed Region.
The GC Certification provides a third–party audit for performance-based improvements in resource use, conservation, and environmentally conscious practices. The GC Certification process is structured in three tiers (Bronze, Silver and Gold) – with each tier providing a realistic benchmark and advancement to subsequent tiers dependent upon a business’ commitment, their verifiable resource tracking and their dedication to increasingly rigorous sustainable practices.
Green Business Leader Award
On Wednesday, June 27, 2018, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein was joined by Department of the Environment Coordinator Amanda LaValle, Ulster County Legislator Manna Jo Greene, members of the Ulster County Climate Smart Committee, and the Office of Economic Development to help launch the Green Business Challenge (GBC), a Building Ulster County Together initiative. The event launched the GBC, which has a goal of getting 100 Ulster businesses, organizations and municipalities to partner with local experts and GBC Ambassadors to increase the installation and usage of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, which can both save money and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Frost Valley YMCA in Claryville has been a trailblazer in this effort and was honored, along with several other local businesses, with an award for achieving status as a “Green Business Challenge Leader.” Other leaders included Bread Alone Bakery, Mohonk Mountain House, Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers, Evolving Media, and SUNY New Paltz. Frost Valley’s Chief Operations Officer, Tom Holsapple, accepted the award on behalf of the organization and also gave an inspiring presentation about Frost Valley’s sustainability practices and upcoming initiatives.
In regards to its forward-thinking sustainability efforts, Frost Valley, which estimates serving over a million meals a year, has been composting 100% of its food waste for over 20 years. In the last year, Frost Valley has significantly revitalized its recycling program to make it even easier for guests to dispose of their waste properly. LED lights and low-flow faucets have been installed across the property, and several buildings rely on solar power. Furthermore, Frost Valley also serves it’s guests and staff its own produce, including vegetables and eggs, on its 550-acre farm. Currently, Frost Valley is preparing to install an extensive solar array that will allow for 40% of the organization’s electricity to come from solar.
“The Green Business Challenge is an amazing opportunity for businesses, organizations and our community to work together to help impact climate change at the local level,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein. “Businesses should not have to choose between the environment and finances because increased green energy use can address both at the same time. The more that individuals, businesses and organizations increase their use of renewable energy, the more effective they can be in helping to make our environment cleaner and safer for this generation and the next. I am proud of the tremendous work by the Department of the Environment, Legislator Manna Jo Greene and the Climate Smart Committee, and Office of Economic Development in helping to reach out to our community so we can truly build our future together.”
