Summary Statement of Proposed Project:
The research of this project will answer the questions of whether or not a luxury resort can be built with little damage done to the natural environment in Atlin, British Columbia. Is this eco-friendly resort feasible? What green technologies can be incorporated in the design? How can local resources be utilized? And what will happen to waste items throughout and after the development of this resort? All of these questions to be answered through this research project and information provided to Heissig Ltd., the company in charge of the development of the Atlin project.
Purpose:
The purpose of this project is beneficial in several ways not only to me but to the University, and the general public. Through the research of this project I will gain knowledge of eco-friendly ways to develop various infrastructures; such as, a guest lodge and recreation facilities. This would include the knowledge of geothermal energy, hydro electric power, solar energy, and the reuse of natural products. The students and faculty of Thompson Rivers University will also benefit from this research because similar to myself, they will learn and understand more about building green. Furthermore, Tourism students of TRU will learn environmental approaches to tourism, and Business students will become conscious of how to market greener developments in a eco-aware society. Lastly, those of the general public would gain awareness towards the matter of developing without damaging the environment.
Goals and Objectives of the Project:
With the knowledge of green technologies determined by this research, those of Heissig Ltd. will have the information needed to build an eco-friendly, efficient, and locally supported, luxury resort. In the end I hope to have been able to thoroughly complete all the research needed, to then recommend the best options for designing the resort, building the resort, and which companies and resources are most knowledgeable to complete the project. With the site being in Atlin, B.C., to preserve the beauty of the largest natural lake in British Columbia, and to allow future guests to enjoy the scenery of the glaciers, this research is necessary.
Methodology and Analytical Approach:
To answer the question of whether or not a luxury resort can be built with little damage done to the natural environment numerous means of collecting information will be conducted. I plan on collecting data by looking into individual environmental technologies then comparing each to find the best option for this development. These environmental aspects include:
-Geothermal Energy -Reuse of Natural Products
-Solar Energy -Waste Management
-Hydro Electric Power -Land Preservation
Interviews and books will be my primary source for retrieving information about the topics above. AERO, is a locally based company who specializes in geothermal installations. I wish to find out about the efficiency, effectiveness, and cost of this type of energy. An interview with the Kamloops Towne Lodge operations manager, Matt Jackson would help in providing information on ways their hotel runs green. TRU instructors, Hank Bangma and Ben Giudici will give me insight on green construction, and knowledge about the use of solar energy, and the steps it takes to create an environmentally friendly building. Contacting Heissig Ltd. and finding out the details of the proposed land to be developed is key to determining which eco developments would work best with their plans, as they already have a hydro electric dam as a power source. Also, gaining familiarity with the local community of Atlin, B.C.will help understand the importance of the preservation of the natural environment, respecting the residents of the area, and finding local resources such as carpenters and mills that could assist with the reuse of cleared trees and other materials. Finally, I plan on interviewing a representative from the Kamloops Sewage Treatment plant to learn about their ways of waste management and their thoughts of what would be suited for an eco resort in Northern B.C.
Previous Studies:
Gardner (2007) wrote that, “hotels face many challenges when going green” but “both organizations and individual hoteliers are experimenting with environmentally sound practices”. This report gives examples of different ways that hotels and resorts have been incorporating green, from solar power water heating to recycling programs. It is also to be considered with every endeavour are the obstacles that come with them. Ostrowski (2009) stated through an interview with Mark Haley, a partner at hospitality technology consulting firm Prism Partnership that, “while it all sounds like green technology is a no brainer for hotel companies; there are inevitably obstacles in this burgeoning realm that have apparently prevented many from joining the movement.” By using these two previous studies, it goes to show that while there are many ways to create a green resort, it may not be easy. Furthermore, continuous research would indicate exactly which environmental solutions are best suited for a resort in a remote location such as Atlin, B.C.
Plans for Dissemination of Work:
One way that I plan to publicize the work of this project is by making a blog. This will allow others to add any comments or other knowledge to help further this project. Second of all, conducting many interviews through phone calls and meetings with individuals is also a way I will be sharing my work. Finally, site meetings, conference calls, and emails will be the method of sharing information with those of Heissig Ltd.
