To support GHG reductions in the hotel sector, the RMOW set out to find an effective way to engage hotel operators. Rather than presupposing a solution, staff began with an exploratory phase to understand the needs and interests of the hotel sector, determine where they were at, and how best to collaborate. As Climate Action Coordinator, Maria Thorlakson, explained, “We didn't know at first what approach would work best, but we knew we needed to engage the hotel sector in some way.”

RMOW began working with Prism Engineering, a consulting firm that helps organizations meet their energy, climate, and asset renewal goals, to explore possible approaches. They also connected with the Hotel Association of Whistler to identify strategies that would be practical and appealing to hotels. To further inform their approach, RMOW conducted a survey of hotel managers to assess their understanding of decarbonization and their interest in learning more. Based on the results, staff determined that workshops would be a strong starting point.

RMOW secured 50% of the workshop funding through BC Hydro’s Implementation Offer program. In addition to providing funding, BC Hydro attended and presented on rebates and incentives at the first workshop. The remaining 50% was covered through RMOW’s LGCAP funding.

In 2023, RMOW hosted its first workshop for hotel managers, titled Reducing Your Carbon Footprint at Your Hotel. This initial session was followed by two additional workshops in 2024, with two more planned for 2025.

According to Thorlakson, the initial 2023 workshop was a success, and the learnings have continued to refine the program to better respond to the needs of hotel managers. The first workshop offered a general overview of hotel GHG emissions and opportunities for energy conservation and emission reductions. The second workshop guided participants through registering with ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager so they could track their energy use and begin to understand their individual GHG emissions. The workshop also walked participants through a decarbonization impact tool developed by Prism Engineering to identify energy conservation and fuel-switching opportunities at their properties. Between the second and third workshops, Prism Engineering provided free coaching to help participants further identify opportunities at their properties and outline next steps. The third workshop brought participants back together to share their learnings and physically walk through a case study of one of the participating hotels Throughout all of the workshops, the participants were connected to funding and rebate opportunities and provided with support in navigating those processes.

Thorlakson noted that hotel managers were “very keen for the information” shared during the workshops. “I think many of them are aware of the opportunity, and they want to pursue the opportunity,” she said, adding that “in Whistler specifically, there’s a lot of aging infrastructure in the hotels,” which presents a significant opportunity for decarbonization, particularly at the time of equipment replacement.

RMOW's initiative highlights the importance of municipal leadership in convening stakeholders—uniting businesses, utility providers, and subject matter experts to advance shared climate goals. A key insight from the initial Carbon Reduction at Your Hotel workshop was that while hotel general managers were eager to reduce emissions, they often lacked the capacity to identify and implement effective actions. The workshops helped bridge this gap by building capacity among key hotel staff, including general managers as well as engineering and maintenance teams.

For municipalities interested in launching a similar initiative, the following lessons from Whistler’s hotel decarbonization project offer valuable guidance:

Collaborate early with utilities and industry partners.

BC Hydro’s involvement was essential to the success of this project. Encouraging hotels to switch from natural gas to electricity required coordination to ensure adequate electrical capacity, as well as support with incentives, rebates, and energy conservation solutions. Strong utility partnerships can open the door to technical expertise and financial support that make fuel-switching feasible.

Tailor engagement for a busy industry.

Engaging the hotel sector requires sensitivity to operational demands. RMOW developed strong relationships with hotel managers and learned the importance of scheduling workshops outside of peak tourism seasons. Flexibility and respect for industry rhythms are critical to building trust and maintaining participation.

Prioritize hands-on, collaborative approaches.

Hotel managers and owners were motivated to take climate action but lacked the internal capacity to move forward alone. RMOW’s workshop model—combining practical exercises, peer learning, and technical support—enabled participants to make real progress. By fostering collaboration, even among competitors, and offering expert guidance between sessions, the workshops translated learning into tangible actions.

Extend the model beyond hotels

While this project focused on Whistler’s hotel sector, its structure and approach are applicable across the broader commercial building sector. The lessons learned—particularly around capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative implementation—can inform similar efforts in retail, office, or mixed-use buildings.

Embrace the role of local government leadership

RMOW and its climate and environment staff played a leadership role. The City of Vancouver—currently expanding its carbon pollution limits and equipment efficiency standards, including those for hotels—sent senior Green Building Planners to attend the second workshop to learn from RMOW’s approach. They aim to apply these insights to their own engagement with the hotel sector.

Lay the groundwork for future policy

This program also supports RMOW’s work to develop an energy reporting bylaw for large commercial buildings in Whistler. Helping hotels register for ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and understand their energy consumption builds readiness for future reporting requirements. The bylaw aims to provide a clearer picture of emissions from the commercial sector, enabling more targeted reduction strategies. It is also hoped that, when paired with public disclosure, the bylaw will encourage voluntary emissions reductions from hotels.