Business Spotlight

Kirk Hoessle, President of Alaska Wildland Adventures Alaska Wildland Adventures understands that its greatest corporate asset is the natural beauty of the outdoors, and believes it is sound business management to invest in sustaining Alaska's wild character.

Designing its style of travel and operations to minimize the surrounding wilderness, AWA brings this philosophy to all area's of operations from scrutinizing office and administration impact to purchasing and tour design. In 2000, AWA lessened dependence on fossil fuels by implementing a hydroelectric system at it's award winning Kenai Backcountry Lodge.

In 2008 AWA partnered with Bonneville Environmental Foundation and the Renewable Energy Alaska Project, committing to offset carbon emissions. Also participating in Denali Green Tags, a renewable energy credit program, AWA's Denali Green Tags purchase matched the enviromental equivalent of planting over 100 acres of trees.

Care and concern for the enviroment is an unwavering priority for AWA. Through efforts in wilderness preservation and developing sustainable ecotoursim, it is AWA's goal that Alaska's pristine wildlands may be enjoyed for generations to come.

AGA Certified Businesses

AGA's 2010 Certified Businesses will be announced at the Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism conference in the spring. Visit this site again after this date to learn about the first AGA Certified businesses!

Adventure Green Alaska offers three levels of certification:

Bronze level: Meets basic standards of sustainability.
Silver level: Meets basic standards and shows a commitment to a higher level of sustainability.
Gold level: A business reaching this level is a leader in the tourism industry. This business may implement new technology, develop innovative sustainability practices, or help partner businesses implement sustainable practices.

This three-level approach allows a wider range of businesses to apply to AGA, enter at an appropriate level, and provides an incentive for businesses to continually improve the way in which they operate.