ISSN 2786-4561 (printed)
ISSN 2786-457X (online)

Vol.7.1 (2026). pp. 88-97

Green Transformation of Ski Resorts: Environmental Innovations and Certifications in Bukovel

Hordiienko V.

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6018-1492

Gryniuk O.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0758-9618
Taras Shevchenko National University, Kyiv, Ukraine
https://doi.org/10.17721/2786-4561.2026.7.1-10/14

Annotation. This article examines the green transformation of ski resorts in the context of global climate challenges and the transition of the tourism industry toward sustainable development. The study explores environmental innovations in ski resort operations, particularly in energy efficiency, water management, waste management, and environmental monitoring. International certification frameworks (ISO 14001, GSTC, Green Destinations) are analyzed as instruments for improving environmental responsibility and competitiveness. Based on a case study of the Bukovel ski resort and its sustainability reporting (2025), the research evaluates the implementation of ESG principles, energy-saving technologies, climate policy, and environmental monitoring systems. The findings indicate that Bukovel is undergoing an active transformation phase: a sustainability office has been established, decarbonization targets (–40% CO? by 2030) have been defined, and energy efficiency and environmental monitoring measures have been implemented. However, limitations remain due to high resource intensity (artificial snowmaking, mass tourism) and incomplete integration into international certification systems. The study outlines перспективes for further advancement of green transformation in ski resorts in Ukraine.

Keywords: sustainable tourism, ski resorts, green transformation, ecological innovations, ESG, certification, Bukovel.
References:
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Declaration of the Conflict of Interest