Numerous studies
have examined environmental practices in hotels (Winter & Azimi, 2006;
Johnson, 2008; Hanna, 2008; Gunter, 2008; Bohdanowicz, 2005), but very few have
focussed specifically on the environmental practices of the B&B
industry. Bed and breakfasts (B&B) are defined as lodging
establishments set in a residence that offer overnight accommodations and
breakfast (Rushmore & Baum, 2001). B&Bs are, by definition, much smaller
than typical lodging operations, which are usually full-service hotels;
however, the B.C. Ministry of the Environment in 2007 found that residential
and commercial buildings in B.C., which include B&Bs, produced 12% of total
greenhouse gas emissions.
With the recent Olympics held in British
Columbia, the focus had to be on environmental initiatives for all players and
actions taken to further this environmental agenda. A study was done to assess
the current “green” practices in British Columbia’s B&Bs as well as to
determine the awareness of owner/operators about such practices and their level
of participation. The study also identified and measured what
owner/operators felt were the barriers and incentives to implementing “green”
practices.
The primary data
used for this study was based on 146 valid responses from B&Bs in British
Columbia (13% of an 1100 sample size), which were completed using an online
survey tool in October 2008. Research found that a significant number of
B&B owner/operators indicated they have implemented “green” practices in
their operations. The most common “green” practice was recycling; an average
73% of owner/operators “always” recycle. Owner/operators also exhibited
environmental awareness by “usually” or “always” purchasing organic (40%),
locally grown (66%) and low-toxic items (62%). The tendency to purchase organic
and local items depended on availability and the B&B’s location, with
remote locations finding this difficult. Additionally, 80% of participants
indicated that they take the initiative to learn about environmental
management. This shows that the trend of becoming more sustainable is apparent
within B&Bs in B.C.
Barriers that
hindered B&B operators from implementing “green” practices included
financial restrictions, lack of resources and location. The financial
restrictions cited as a barrier were also consistent with the response that a
monetary incentive would be effective. The majority of respondents were not
part of a “green” association that recognizes environmental initiatives through
certification. In fact, no standard certification process exists for B&Bs
in B.C.
Recommendations
from this report outline how stakeholders could help B&Bs develop more
“green” practices. First, government and associations could improve
communications and increase the availability of feasible “green” practices that
B&Bs could implement. The creation, implementation, communication and
monitoring of government incentive programs in the field of sustainability
would also improve B&Bs “green” practices. Second, an association could be
created at the provincial or local level to recognize “green” initiatives
through certification. Third, B&Bs could also become more aware of the
current provincial and federal incentives offered to establishments for
retrofitting.
Overall
recommendations for government, associations and industry include the creation
of a co-operative marketing initiative involving all three stakeholders.
This initiative could help increase awareness of “green” practices and
specifically target the “green” niche market. The study notes that B&Bs are
often not considered when discussing the impact of tourism and its
contributions to mitigating climate change or moving towards more sustainable
tourism. If Canada is to be seen as an eco-conscious destination, the B&B
industry must not be forgotten.
Bibliography
– Bohdanowicz, P., «European Hoteliers’ Environmental Attitudes: Greening the Business», Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, vol. 46 no 2, 2005, p.188-204.
– Gunter, H., «State programs help define green hotels», Hotel & Motel Management, vol. 223 no 10, 2008, p. 4.
– Hanna, E., «Setting the guestroom for the guest», Hotel & Motel Management, vol. 223 no 10, 2008, p. 48.
– Johnson, A., «Savings by the load», Hotel & Motel Management, vol. 223 no 11, 2008, p. 34.
– Rushmore, S. & Baum, E., «Hotel and Motels: Valuations and Market Studies», USA: The Appraisal Institute, 2001.
– Winter, J. P. & Azimi, S. L., «Less Garbage Overnight: A Waste Prevention Guide for the Lodging Industry», New York: INFORM, 1996.
– Bohdanowicz, P., «European Hoteliers’ Environmental Attitudes: Greening the Business», Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, vol. 46 no 2, 2005, p.188-204.
– Gunter, H., «State programs help define green hotels», Hotel & Motel Management, vol. 223 no 10, 2008, p. 4.
– Hanna, E., «Setting the guestroom for the guest», Hotel & Motel Management, vol. 223 no 10, 2008, p. 48.
– Johnson, A., «Savings by the load», Hotel & Motel Management, vol. 223 no 11, 2008, p. 34.
– Rushmore, S. & Baum, E., «Hotel and Motels: Valuations and Market Studies», USA: The Appraisal Institute, 2001.
– Winter, J. P. & Azimi, S. L., «Less Garbage Overnight: A Waste Prevention Guide for the Lodging Industry», New York: INFORM, 1996.
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