In 2006, the Walt Disney World Resort established a comprehensive plan to reduce annual energy consumption by five percent property-wide. Called "Strive for Five," this program focused on reducing energy utilized by electricity, natural gas, and chilled and hot water utilities.

To begin, building tune-ups were conducted throughout the Resort to adjust temperature set points and time schedules for heating and air-conditioning. Additionally, Cast Members were asked to turn lights off in convention spaces, backstage areas, and offices outside of standard operating hours. Audits were also enhanced and new standards for energy use were developed by individual lines of business such as hotels and theme parks. For example, the use of kitchen equipment was monitored more closely during off-peak hours and Cast Members conducted audits at night to identify additional energy-saving opportunities.

Education served as a key component of this program and Cast Members were asked to contribute through individual actions. In response, members of Environmental Circles across property partnered to collect and promote best practices, and Utility Report Cards were issued to consumers monthly so they could monitor actual usage. Internal communications were also disseminated on a regular basis to share results, and recognition programs were established by several resorts to acknowledge successes.

Results:

During the first year of "Strive for Five," energy consumption was reduced by more than three percent across property, a value that equated to more than $1.8 million and 194,000 million British Thermal Units (BTUs). Energy conservation will continue to be a priority in 2007 and plans are in place to ensure sustainability of these new initiatives.

Disney Cruise Line established a goal this year to reduce annual energy consumption by seven percent on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder ships. Initiatives that were implemented to help reach this target centered on lighting, fuel efficiency, and emissions reductions, as indicated below.

• A new paint utilized on the hull of the Disney Wonder is nontoxic and will help to prohibit corrosion, minimize surface resistance, and increase fuel efficiency. The new formula is also resistant to the formation of barnacles and has a lifetime application of 25 years. The Disney Wonder is the first cruise ship in the industry to use this particular paint.
• A new interceptor plate was installed on the Disney Wonder during dry dock, allowing the ship to become even more hydrodynamic, and subsequently, more fuel efficient.
• Higher-efficiency halogen light bulbs were installed throughout Guest and Crew areas, contributing to a reduction of 39,000 gallons of fuel per year.
• Arrival and departure times were fine-tuned to reduce strain on engines and allow the ships to travel at a more constant speed. One adjustment of 30 minutes reduced fuel consumption by more than 12,000 gallons per year.
• New education campaigns elicited proactive support from Crew Members through daily responsibilities. In particular, the Housekeeping team implemented new policies to reduce lighting that is turned on when Guests are not present in their staterooms.
• Automated air-conditioning systems were adjusted to reduce energy demand.

Results:

During the first year of this effort, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder ships each realized a five percent reduction of energy consumption, leading to a savings of more than 2,000 tons of fuel.

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