Environmental Responsibility

Our Mission: We, the employees of Doyon/ARAMARK Joint Venture, are committed to operating from a deep sense of love and respect for the planet in a manner that protects and restores our Nation’s natural, cultural, and historical resources for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations.
—Doyon/ARAMARK Joint Venture


Denali National Park and Preserve is one of the largest Parks in the National Park System consisting of over 6 million acres of Interior Alaska wilderness. As the concessionaire providing over 1 million miles of transportation services to approximately 300,000 visitors annually we recognize the importance of managing our operation in an environmentally sensitive manner. To achieve this we has meet international standards in environmental management by adopting a strict environmental management system (EMS) that conforms to the International Organization of Standardization ISO 14001 Standard. Our EMS requires commitment from all levels, from top-level management to line employees as well as our clients, vendors and the Park Visitor themselves. We have branded our EMS as PlanetEVERgreen, and is based on the principals of :

• Relevancy and Appropriateness
• Continual Improvement
• Compliance
• Objectives and Targets
• Communication to all stakeholders
• Outreach
• Commitment

The 8 Pillars of Planet EVERgreen

Pillar 1: Retail Offerings
Planet EVERgreen includes en environmentally preferred purchasing program that selects products and services for use, consumption and resale that minimize negative impacts on the environment. At all our retail outlets there are a number of environmentally friendly products available such as biodegradable toilet paper, locally made soaps and lotions, as well as clothing made from recycled fabrics. In addition, vendors are selected that ship in bulk whenever possible, reducing overall waste in the operation of this business.
Pillar 2: Culinary
In all food outlets from employee dining to visitor services we make every effort to procure organic and sustainable products. At the Wilderness Access Center, Morino Grill, and Riley Creek Mercantile organic, shade grown coffee is served; as a sustainable farming practice, supporting this coffee product assists in the preservation of natural habitat and ecosystems for over 150 migratory birds.
Pillar 3: Water and Energy Conservation
We are committed to protecting water quality and reducing consumption by using Energy Star-rated appliances, fixtures, lighting and equipment. In addition we have installed water conserving shower heads, faucets, toilets and washing machines.
Pillar 4: Waste Management and Reduction
We reduce, reuse and recycle to decrease solid waste and eliminate the production of hazardous waste. By purchasing EcoLab chemicals in bulk we are reducing packaging as well as promoting the use of non-toxic chemicals.
Recycling is a top priority, not only do we recycle the basics: glass, paper, plastic and aluminum, but our unique operating environment provides us with opportunities resulting from operating a fleet of buses, including crushing and recycling oil filters, and recycling antifreeze.
Pillar 5: Interpretive Programs
All interpreters and tour drivers are Certified Interpretive Guides through the National Association of Interpretation. Through these programs we are able to facilitate connections between the visitor and the meaning of the resource, thereby communicating environmental stewardship to over 300,000 visitors a year. Lucky visitors who experience our tours also participate in our EMS by recycling.
Pillar 6: Education and Training
We provides comprehensive training programs to their team on environmental leadership and best management practices. Programs on topics such as hazardous waste management, environmental health and safety, and recycling procedures among others instruct employees to become leaders in resource management and sustainability.
Pillar 7: Transportation
Air quality is a primary concern to us and to reduce harmful emissions new buses have been purchased that meet the most stringent EPA standards while older buses have been retrofitted with particulate filter traps that, in conjunction with low-sulfur diesel fuel, reduces harmful emissions by as much as 70%.
Pillar 8: Sustainable Building Design
PlanetEVERgreen requires sustainable building design be incorporated into new facilities the we are responsible for constructing. To date, this includes the Riley Creek Mercantile, Morino Grill, the Denali Bookstore and the Employee Dining Room. These new facilities have regional architectural character ties to NPS architectural traditions, low volatile organic compounds, biodegradable tectum ceiling panels made from aspen fibers, wheat board interior wall finish material, non-toxic mastics and sealants and Tirex (recycled tires) flooring in the entry ways.v