It's easy being green
Marabou's core philosophies are centered on land stewardship, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction and environmental education. This all-encompassing level of commitment ensures the natural beauty of Marabou's Colorado mountain ranching setting is preserved, the natural wildlife habitats are enhanced and wildlife carrying capacity is increased.
Recently, a third-party Carbon Audit and Carbon Management Plan was performed to determine Marabou's carbon footprint. To better understand the results of this study, let's define what carbon neutral means. Basically, carbon neutral simply means reducing or preventing the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. It is believed that the emissions of carbon dioxide or "greenhouse gases" into the atmosphere are contributing to global warming. It is possible to release CO2 into the atmosphere and still be carbon neutral, so long as it is balanced by a CO2 reduction elsewhere.
By incorporating green building technologies, a "light-on-the-land" master plan that clusters luxury ranch home sites and maximizes open space preservation with green agricultural ranch operations, and by using 100% renewable energy certificates, Marabou has achieved a carbon neutral footprint. By successfully balancing release and reduction, Marabou has actually attained a reduced carbon contribution of minus 1,059,965 pounds. Best available technology was used to quantify Marabou's carbon contribution and carbon reduction values which were then validated with current experts in the field.
Marabou is a model for green agricultural ranch operations, incorporating rotational grazing which is better for the land and better for the animals. It's also much better for people: grass-finished cattle are fattened on natural forage, not in feed lots. No hormones or antibiotics are used, yielding healthier cattle that are healthier to consume.
All of Marabou's amenity buildings have achieved a Built Green® average of 140 points, incorporating recycled building materials, energy efficiency, electricity from clean renewable wind power, use of materials that promote improved indoor environmental quality, and environmentally conscious landscaping practices. The minimum requirement was 72 points. Because Marabou recognizes the importance of today's emphasis on green building, Design Guidelines were developed using green design building guidelines throughout the ranch community. Owners are incentivized with a $10,000 reward for those who incorporate green building techniques in the design of their custom home.
Marabou was the first Steamboat Springs business to receive Gold Planet Certification for green and sustainable leadership practices. In October 2007, Marabou received the "Sustainable Business Award" from the Steamboat Chamber of Commerce. The EPA honored Elk River Partners with their Green Power Leadership award for exemplary green power procurement.
Building a sustainable tomorrow requires a plan for today and foresight for the future. Stringent environmental guidelines have been built into the long-term vision of Marabou and will be upheld for years to come. Perhaps Marabou's biggest legacy will be to create a new sustainability model for other national and Colorado ranch property developments through leading by example.
