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