Grandfather Mountain

P.O. Box 129
Linville, NC 28646
(800) 468-7325
http://www.grandfathermountain.com

Score

114

Grandfather Mountain towers 5,946 feet above northwest North Carolina and is one of the world¹s most environmentally diverse nature preserves. Operated as a scenic travel attraction, the management seeks to steward the property in a way that protects the natural wonder of the geographic landmark AND offers the general public access to its fantastic scenery.

Best Practice Highlights

Because of the company's desire to lead the way in all things ecological, the staff is working to make the nature park even greener. Strategies to increase energy efficiency include the use of natural lighting whenever possible, but where needed incandescent light bulbs were replaced with CFL bulbs or LED lighting. In addition, destratification fans were installed to keep hot air from pooling in the cathedral ceilings of the Nature Museum.

Recycling stations are scattered throughout the park and food from the restaurant is served on biodegradable plates with compostable, corn-based eating utensils.

In addition to reducing its energy consumption, the company produces its own power via a small array of photovoltaic cells. Solar thermal panels on the roof of the fudge shop also produce the energy to heat the water for that building and generate radiant heating inside the space.

Other earth-friendly gestures include the keeping of honey bees and serving a house blend of bird-friendly coffee.

How Grandfather Mountain received its rating...

Based on the level of performance, a participating business is awarded a Level of Green Excellence ranking of one, three, or five stars. Certification is valid for two years.

In order to achieve the level of 3, Grandfather Mountain acquired a minimum of 90 points.