The Journey to Becoming a Certified B Corp: Environmental Impact at The Baja Hotel
Photo by Marcus Woodbridge via Unsplash.
This article was originally posted on Medium in collaboration with Conscious Brands on December 4, 2023.
Navigating the Environmental Journey
In their ongoing quest for B Corp certification, Rob and Lesley, co-owners of the Baja Hotel, delved into the intricate world of the environmental section of the B Corp Impact Assessment (BIA) which helps businesses learn what they can do to improve their overall environmental stewardship. This portion of the BIA covers environmental management, air & climate, water and land & life.
Their recent conversation revealed the unique challenges posed by operating a hotel in Mexico and its profound impact on their environmental practices. This article explores the key insights from their discussion and how it ties back to their overarching strategy using the Flourishing Business Canvas (FBC).
The Holistic Vision
Rob emphasizes the importance of not fixating on environmental concerns alone. Instead, he urges a holistic perspective that aligns with the Flourishing Business Canvas — looking beyond profit and environmental impact to consider the broader picture. According to Rob, the BIA plays a crucial role in helping the Baja Hotel measure and manage its practices in alignment with its mission and higher purpose.
Lessons from Operating in Mexico
Lesley highlights the unique challenges of operating a hotel in Mexico, emphasizing the need to partner with local hotels to understand best practices. Given the lack of a well-established infrastructure, the Baja Hotel is positioned to grow its environmental impact after the recent purchase. Deep listening, a recurring theme in their approach, becomes pivotal in understanding the nuanced environmental factors.
Baja Hotel’s Unique Approach to Biodiversity
The environmental section of the BIA encourages businesses to consider their impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity. This is particularly relevant for hospitality businesses situated in ecologically sensitive areas. Engaging in conservation efforts and adopting practices that protect biodiversity contribute to the well-being of the local environment.
Lesley and Rob discuss the BIA’s focus on biodiversity within the environmental assessment. They stress the importance of deep listening, especially in regions where indigenous knowledge is vital for stewardship. They also seek to engage with local conversation groups and climate science initiatives to further their understanding of local biodiversity. By partnering respectfully with local communities and engaging in deep listening, the Baja Hotel aims to make informed decisions that contribute positively to biodiversity.
Lesley shares insights into the Baja Hotel’s potential biodiversity initiatives, extending beyond the hotel premises to include collaboration with local suppliers. By incorporating diverse growing systems, preserving mangrove ecosystems, and reintroducing native species, the hotel aims to contribute locally and regionally to biodiversity.
Complexity and the Cynefin Model
Rob parallels their approach to complexity in the hotel and the Cynefin model, emphasizing the importance of deep listening (probing the system), sensing (into the system), and responding. The team aims to leverage collective wisdom from guests, staff, and the community to navigate the uncertainties and complexities unique to their location.
Water as Liquid Gold
The conversation shifts to water — a critical concern for the Baja Hotel. Rob and Lesley discuss the challenges of water consumption, wastewater management, and the impact on the local ecosystems. They explore innovative solutions, including greywater usage, rainwater harvesting, and methane digesters, demonstrating their commitment to a circular water management system. Rob and Lesley are committed to positively impacting the coastal community by continuously adapting their impact model to contribute to the community’s resiliency as they become more rooted in place.
Strategy Beyond Operational Efficiency
In their approach to environmental sustainability, the Baja Hotel distinguishes itself by adopting a long-term perspective. While operational efficiencies are crucial, Rob and Lesley emphasize a broader vision beyond short-term gains as outlined below. They intend to measure success holistically, integrating profit with environmental and social impact.
Hospitality businesses, by nature, consume significant resources such as water, energy, and raw materials. The environmental section helps the Baja Hotel identify opportunities to transform resource efficiency, waste management systems, consumption reduction and carbon reduction, all benefiting the environmental and financial sustainability of the hotel. Rob and Lesley discuss the adoption of renewable energy and unique ways to offset carbon emissions of the property and from guest travel as well.
Final Thoughts
As the Baja Hotel navigates the environmental section of the BIA, Rob and Lesley showcase a commitment to creating a regenerative, future-fit business. By aligning with the Flourishing Business Canvas and embracing a holistic approach, they aim to leave a positive impact on their surroundings, community, and the planet. As they continue their journey towards B Corp certification, the Baja Hotel is an inspiring example of a business weaving sustainability into its core values.
Rob Sinclair is the founder of Conscious Brands, a firm that helps organizations transition from shareholder governance to stakeholder-driven organizations. Lesley Robb is the founder of Swell Impact, a firm specializing in branding and sustainability strategies for the tourism sector. Together, they openly explore holistic business models by prioritizing play over perfection and co-creating community.
