Yellowstone Stores Cited for Sustainability

The stores were cited for incorporating sustainability practices during renovation projects. In the case of the Lake General Store, for instance, sustainable renovation meant that the work was done with the maximum amount of reuse possible. First, the building was stripped of all fixtures, including the historic chandelier and the 1938 soda fountain, and rebuilt. The foundation was replaced, while the roof and walls were both reinforced and spiffed up with new shingles and siding. The maple floor, warping badly, was replaced with a new floor. New energy-efficient equipment was installed.

“The Framework helped us to expand the scope of these renovation projects outside of the building envelope by incorporating other criteria such as community vitality and transportation,” said Deb Friedel, Director of Sustainability for Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts, concessionaire of the Yellowstone General Stores. “Cultural and historic values were also a component of these projects, and the Framework, which was of particular interest since the Lake General Store is a historic structure.”

“The goal of the GY-Framework is to reward those who lead the way by choosing to develop with sensitivity to the greater Yellowstone-Teton region’s natural, historic and cultural resources,” said YBP Executive Director Jan Brown.

YBP developed the framework with the help of over 140 volunteers and experts to ensure the rating system benefited from a wide diversity of regional knowledge and experience. Projects are rated using 57 credits that cover categories such as Land Use and Conservation, Biodiversity, Recreation Resources, and Public Service and Infrastructure.

These projects will be recognized at YBP’s annual spring conference, which is being held May 23-25 at Jackson Lake Lodge, in Grand Teton National Park. Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Dan Wenk has been invited to present the awards at the May 24 banquet. Conference registration and banquet tickets are available at yellowstonebusiness.org.

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