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Case Study

Removing barriers to innovation: Xanterra Parks & Resorts gaining scale in on-site solar power generation

By Corey A. Billington, Tania Braga, Eva Hubsman and Aileen Ionescu-Somers

7 pages

December 2009

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Reference: IMD-2-0149

The case demonstrates the potential companies have to drive innovation in order to reach ambitious CO2 reduction targets. It documents Xanterra’s efforts under WWF International’s Climate Savers initiative. Climate Savers is a platform to transform business and industry into pioneers on climate and energy solutions. Xanterra Parks & Resorts’ focused strategy of bringing on-site renewable energy generation to the next level required not only significant dedicated resources but also singular efforts to break down skeptical mindsets and risk-related barriers to innovation. By active learning from an almost terminated project, the company was able to build one of the largest privately owned solar photovoltaic systems in the US.

Learning Objective

1) Deliver strong arguments that ambitious CO2 reduction targets trigger innovation and are therefore good for business development and growth. 2) Inspire business leaders to adopt effective change management initiatives. 3) Show a cutting-edge business model for on-site renewable energy generation.

Keywords

Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Park Concessioner, Corporate Responsibility, Partnership, Change Management, Mindset Change, Hospitality, Corporate Sustainability Management

Settings

United States of America
2004-2009

Type

Field Research

Available Languages

English

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