We need to look at the business of sustainability holistically, if we are to make real progress. On one hand, the Province of British Columbia established the Innovative Clean Energy Fund (ICE) in 2007, to focus on projects that specifically address B.C.’s energy and environment issues. On the other hand, the same government continues to grant licenses for logging, the majority of which continues to be by clear cutting according to a study by Canopy Planet. As a result, the tourism industry is pitted against the forest industry, as both compete for the same natural resource in an uncoordinated manner.

While preparing a workshop for the British Columbia Partnership for Sustainable Tourism, now named Ethos, we researched the present status of sustainable tourism in this Province. Siwash Lake Ranch, roughly 20km from 70 Mile House in the Caribou, provides a backcountry getaway for executives, with all the creature comforts you would expect, while promoting sustainability. It is one of only eight properties in the whole of Canada that can boast achieving five out of five Green Keys. Sounding more like an outpost on the moon, they utilize Photo Voltaic Panels and Solar Collectors to generate off-grid electricity and decrease their dependence on fossil fuels. This was made possible in part from ICE funding.

A good news story for the ICE program and the ranch as the changes implemented will enable them to achieve an: 89% decrease in diesel use and 50% reduction in propane use, saving about 12,500 yearly in fuel costs. As well there will be a 100% decrease in reliance on gasoline for irrigation and water systems for a decrease of 10,984 kg of GHG emissions. Not bad. Yet it could all be undone by the same government that provided the grants.

Currently, there are several parcels surrounding Siwash Lake Ranch that may be clear cut as a result of licenses granted by the provincial government. If granted, and we have no reason to believe otherwise, the balance so painstakingly recreated by Allyson Rogers, Siwash Lake Ranch owner and operator, could be seriously impacted. The inspiration for her successful grant was based on her observations of climate change. The lowering water table has created the need to build additional fences to keep the horses out of sensitive areas and to come up with innovative ways to provide water for them to drink. Believing her actions wise and responsible, it is difficult to imagine the position she will be in were the forests around her disappear.

The Ranch is at the forefront of innovation, is experiencing climate change, and is in competing with other industries and government bodies. It is this very conflict that brought Greenomics and Siwash Lake Ranch together to offer experiential Executive Retreats. This is where sustainability can be woven into corporate strategy with a very tangible experience.

April Quip – Market Share and Scientific Debate

Another of our predictions for 2010 was that there will be increased efforts to discredit the science associated with climate change. What is interesting is it is not just happening with Climate Change science. Arguments are being developed to curb consumer demand for organic products based on claims by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that there is no nutritional difference between organic and non-organic food. Such arguments are misleading, as they only address one factor impacting consumer decision making. It is not just the nutrition, it is also the local land, biodiversity and the health of the workers involved. Buying organic can help preserve environmental health and support farmers who use ecological methods. So, this comes down to a debate and marketing effort to maintain market share. As consumers, we have to answer for ourselves whether or not to support healthy food production.