MODERNIZATION
RENEWING THE ICE WITH ZIPPY ZAMBONIS
VERNON, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
When you visit a city for a sporting event, support an arena like this one in Vernon, British Columbia, that is working to reduce its environmental impacts. See how similar experiences are possible for arenas where you live.
What's
changing
Supply chain delays and a hefty price tag mean that new electric Zambonis are not always a realistic option for ice rinks that want to quickly clean up their air.
What's already
possible
Vernon has sped up the process and successfully converted two of its four propane-fuelled Zambonis into electrically powered ones.
Seizing
the opportunity
The city is committing 136,000 Canadian dollars for retrofitting.The retrofitted zambonis are quicker and smoother than their older counterparts.
Standout
tactic
Using a vehicle until its expected end of life (15-18 years for Zambonis) saves on the emissions associated with manufacturing and delivering a new ice resurfacer and postpones emissions from disposal of an old one.
How
it helps
The city says the retrofit will lead to a reduction in carbon emissions by an estimated 17 to 19 tons (15 to 17 tonnes) per year while enabling better air quality within the arena.
Diving
deeper
When evaluating retrofits, consider the impact of needing to ship a vehicle. In Vernon’s case, the Zambonis traveled 440 km (273 miles) to the Vancouver area for their retrofit.
Increasing
impact
If Vernon converts its other two Zambonis, the total estimated reduction in emissions could be upwards of 34 tons (30 tonnes) of carbon per year, the equivalent of 21 round-trip flights from New York to London.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
