Global tourism contributes around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. That puts the tourism industry ahead of the construction industry in its contribution to the greenhouse effect. Tourists contribute to a global carbon footprint through air travel, rail travel, even travel by road. There are hidden costs: food, and how food reaches its destination, accommodation, heating and cooling of the accommodation, cleaning of pools and even the purchase of souvenirs all play their part.
However, despite all these different ways that tourists contribute to carbon emissions, the biggest contributor is air travel. Some figures suggest that air travel contributes around 65% of the carbon footprint of the tourism industry overall. As we become more aware of the impact we are having on our planet, more of us are choosing a staycation over tropical islands.
And, as we’re doing our bit to reduce our individual carbon footprint, it’s heartening to see B&Bs and hotels make a concerted effort to offer environmentally friendly holidays. Here are a few ways that you could make your B&B more eco-friendly to both minimise your carbon footprint and appeal to your more environmentally conscientious visitors.
Install electric charging station
Between 2013 and 2017 the number of electric cars on the roads have increased from 3,500 to 125,000. Further growth is expected, but the challenge is currently the infrastructure. At present, according to ZapStats there are only 13,300 charging points at 8259 locations around the UK. Therefore, anyone taking to the roads for an electrically transported staycation is likely to welcome the opportunity to charge up overnight.
Source local
Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is to source goods locally wherever you can. Not only will your carbon footprint reduce, but your guests are likely to see it as a real appeal to have genuine locally grown or reared produce.
Repair, reuse or recycle
Be responsible with your trash, compost what you can, and reuse or recycle wherever possible. Reduce the amount you send to land fill. If you can repair things or upcycle them, do so. If you can’t but the item is still usable, consider donating it to a charity where your unwanted goods can go to help someone else create a new home.
The specialist financial experts here at Stewart Hindley are here to help you secure the best commercial loan for your Bed & Breakfast business. We always seek to go beyond this, offering as much comprehensive advice to help you build a successful business and reach your potential. Highlighting the opportunity to create a more environmentally friendly holiday bolt hole is yet another of the ways we deliver this.
For more information on how we can help, please get in touch. You can call us on 01488 684834 or drop us a message through our website.