Understanding Factors That Influence Small Business Participation In Environmental Improvement Activities: A Study Of Businesses Involved With The Eco-Efficiency Centre’s Environmental And Energy Review Program.

Abstract

Small businesses have on the whole fallen behind in attempts to reduce environmental impact and have been noted to face particular challenges in undertaking and implementing environmental improvements in their operations. With this recognition, programs have been created to encourage businesses to reduce their environmental impact. Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Eco-Efficiency Centre (EEC), Environmental and Energy Review Program provides awareness and guides small businesses in methods to undertake environmental improvements. Examining a sample of businesses involved with the EEC program, the objective of this research is to understand what motivates micro and small-sized businesses to improve their environmental performance and explore the challenges they face in the process. By analysing the motivations and challenges to reducing environmental impact, it is anticipated this research may help programs and policy makers and better encourage businesses to undertake environmental improvements.