Eco Luxury Resort in Atlin B.C. ?

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 of 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?

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. 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, knowledge of becoming greener will be recognized. 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.

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 aspects 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            -Local Preservation

Interviews will be my main source for retrieving information about the topics above. AERO, is a locally based company who specializes in geothermal installations whom I wish to find out about the efficiency, effectiveness, and cost of this type of energy. An interview with the Kamloops Towne Lodge manager and TRU instructor, Hank Bangma will give me insight and knowledge about the use of solar energy, and the steps it takes to create a environmentally friendly building. Contacting Heissig Ltd. and finding out the details of the prospected land to be developed is key on 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, BC 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:

            The different ways that I will 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. Conducting many interviews through phone calls and meetings with individuals are several other ways I will be sharing my work.