Can Small be Green; BnB in Ontario

Can Small Be Green?

The Greening of B&Bs Dr. Sonya Graci Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ryerson University

Ecotourism & Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008 October 27-28, 2008

Outline •

• • • • •

Question Background Research Methods Findings Recommendations Conclusion

Can Small Be Green?

• How green are B&Bs in Ontario?

• What influences and hinders green?

• How to move from attitude to action

Background • Minimal literature on the environmental performance of the B&B sector.

• 2058 B&B’s in Ontario • Collective environmental impact • Requires strategies to assist small operations

Characteristics of a B&Bs • “A limited market share reflected in the size of operations, ownership and management by the same individual or small group of individuals, legal independence, little influence on prices in the marketplace and a personalized management style” – Clarke, 2004:197

Research Method • • • •

Quantitative approach Surveyed 742 B&Bs 18% response rate (132 completed surveys) Self audit and attitude questions

Major Findings • Level of environmental commitment • Benefits • Barriers

Green Practices

Green Practices • 100% practiced recycling • Over 75% practiced • • • • • • •

Waste reduction Waste reuse Water conservation Energy conservation Use of biodegradable cleaners Use of organic/local foods Promotion of green practices

Benefits • Social responsibility (it’s the right thing to do!)

• Cost savings • Image enhancement

Incentives • Increased personal awareness of environmental issues • Availability of government subsidies • Financial support from government – Revolving funds – Interest free loans

Barriers • Lack of financial resources • Long term return on investment • High maintenance costs

Recommendations • B&Bs in general are lacking guidance and standardization • Require: – Guidance from industry associations – Government support

Recommendations • Multi-stakeholder partnership that includes – A cohesive vision – Education on sustainability – Education on what can be implemented and how much it will cost.

– Credible sources to consult – Sharing of best practices – Training (train the trainer workshops)

Recommendations • Multi-stakeholder partnership that includes – Pooling of resources – Government support through financial mechanisms such as a revolving fund – Guidelines and guidance documents – Marketing – Benchmarking

Conclusion

• Small can be green! • Start small, but act consistently!

Contact Information • • • •

Dr. Sonya Graci sgraci@ryerson.ca www.accommodatinggreen.com www.theicarusfoundation.com