eco friendly business plan pdf

Sample Green and Eco-friendly Business Plan

Green business plan sample.

A green business has to do with the environment; a business that is environmentally friendly and useful.

In writing a green business plan , not knowing how to go about it or not having a sample to use as a guide can be a waste of time and effort. Therefore, this post will be focusing on a typical green and eco-friendly business and the business plan of the business will be written for people to use as a sample and guide in writing theirs.

Having a business plan is very important for businesses that wants to make impact in its industry. Therefore, you as a business owner should be ready to spend time and resources on writing a business plan.

Since, it is expected that you already have knowledge of the business you are going into then I will start directly with the business plan.

• HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL BUSINESS PLAN
• E-WASTE RECYCLING BUSINESS PLAN
• WASTE MANAGEMENT BUSINESS PLAN
• SOLAR FARM BUSINESS PLAN
• SOLAR PANEL BUSINESS BUSINESS PLAN

BUSINESS TYPE: Tyre Recycling Plant BUSINESS NAME: Caddy and Paddy Tyre Recycling

TABLE OF CONTENT

• Business Overview

Executive Summary

Vision Statement

Mission Statement

Business Structure

Target Market

Tyre recycling business includes companies that deal with recycling tyres and rubbers which has become an integral and important part of the society due to its social and economic impact on the society and has also the role it plays in preserving the future of our world. Not recycling used tyres for use as raw materials in making new tyres or other products can constitute nuisance in the society hence the importance of this business.

Basically, this business has to do with collecting, separating, sorting, and processing used tyres to make raw materials which are sold to make money.

The tyre recycling business also include transfer stations where waste are transferred from local vehicles to long distance automobiles that transfer the tyres to the facilities where they are recycled.

Several studies have shown that the United States generate lots of income from recycling used tyres every year and this constitutes the largest source of rubber waste in the country.

This is a type of business that will continue to benefit from the growing interest of the public in the recycling industry and also the demand for this industry will be driven by business creation, privatization and population growth. The business will continue to grow in all parts of the world even though it will be higher in some countries than others.

Caddy and Paddy Tyre Recycling is a standardized and licensed recycling company based in the United States which deals majorly with recycling used tyres and rubber waste. A well located and positioned facility in the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia has been secured for this business.

Caddy and Paddy Tyre Recycling is in this business to contribute its quota in saving the world and also to compete highly with other recycling companies in the whole of United States and not only in Georgia. Our goal is to become the best tyre recycling company in the United States.

The business might engage in recycling other used materials apart from used tyres in the nearest future but for now will be focusing on recycling used tyres. The company has secured all permits and licenses required to be a waste collection company in the United States.

The company is determined to obey all rules and regulations guiding the tyre recycling industry, hire well trained and competent drivers with their commercial drivers’ license to drive the waste trucks.

In this business, the interest of the clients will always come first and everything the company does will be guided by professional values and ethics.

Caddy and Paddy Tyre Recycling is a private business owned by Engineer Ben Williams and his friend and business partner, Sean Lee. and his immediate family.

The vision of Caddy and Paddy Tyre Recycling is to become a tyre recycling company that is one of the preferred choices of customers whether individuals or organizations when demanding for one in Atlanta, Georgia and in the whole of the United States.

Caddy and Paddy Tyre Recycling’s mission is to provide the best and most excellent service to our clients and also to ensure competence from our employees and the company as a whole. Also, Caddy and Paddy Tyre Recycling is passionate in pursuing excellence and financial success and also to make a positive mark.

Business Services

This company is mainly established with the aim of making profits in the tyre recycling industry. The company has put in place a competent and reliable team to compete favorably with the leading tyre recycling business in the United States. Below are the services that will be offered by Caddy and Paddy Tyre Recycling:

• Operating facilities for separating and sorting used and condemned tires for recycling
• Operating facilities for separating and sorting rubber waste for recycling
• Sale of raw materials to shoe manufacturers, artists, builders and parks et al
• Sale of recycled and refurbished used tires and other related products

The company’s business structure will be designed in a way that both full time and part time employees will be accommodated. The business will be started with several full time employees including waste truck drivers, office staff, professional cleaners and so on.

We will ensure that competent, qualified, hardworking, customer centric and creative employees are hired that will help build a successful business that will benefit all stakeholders. Also, we will ensure that our employees are chosen from a group of certified, professional and highly experienced recycling engineers in and around Georgia.

All employees will be taken through trainings that will make them meet the expectations of the business and also contribute toward its success.

The business structure of the company is as follows:

• Chief Executive Officer
• Head, Technical Services
• Human Resources and Admin Manager
• Sales and Marketing Executive
• Plant Engineers / Technicians and Operators
• Client Service Executive
• Truck Drivers

Research has shown that there are a wide range of people and organizations that cannot dispose or recycle their tyres without hiring the services of tyre recycling companies like this. Therefore, we will ensure that we develop strong and strategic pacts with household, corporate organizations, etc. so we can have several options to generate income for the company.

Therefore, the company will mainly focus on the following as their target market:

• Tires manufacturing companies
• Automobile manufacturing companies
• Shoes and flip flops manufacturers
• Roofing and construction companies
• Chemical manufacturing companies
• Manufacturers and Distributors
• Entrepreneurs and Start – Ups who would need recycled raw materials from us.

Looking at the business plan written above and using it as a sample in writing a business plan for your green and eco-friendly business will give you a very good outcome.

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Create an Eco-Friendly Business Plan With This Comprehensive Guide

Those considerations also include finding funding, finding the right tools for solid accounting practices, and projecting your costs, which will vary depending on the resources you need to keep your business green. You can also think about different ways to bring in income, such as affiliate marketing. The Sustainable Living Association has put together some great tips to help you get started.

When you’re ready to begin planning for your green business, take these steps into consideration.

What Does It Mean to Go Green?

Going green has become much more common in recent years as business owners see the value of ensuring that their practices, products, and services are as eco-friendly as possible. Not only is this eco-friendly approach important to many customers, sustainability is often cost-effective when the right tools are utilized.

In order to maximize your green potential, it’s crucial to think about eco-friendly tactics for just about every aspect of your business, from digitizing information to choosing a location that offers resources that will help you minimize your carbon footprint . How can you utilize a green approach to your marketing strategy? How will you source the materials for your products? Can you reduce or eliminate the need for paper products or use only recyclable supplies? Thinking carefully about your green options will allow you to write a business plan that fully details your needs, including funding.

Find the money for your sustainable business with grants

Writing out a strong business plan should include financial projections as well as a strategy for finding funding. Startup costs for an eco-friendly business average $14,000 , although that number differs depending on each business owner’s specific needs; typically, entrepreneurs need to consider costs associated with:

• inventory and storage space
• software for taking payments and maintaining a website
• office or retail space

Fortunately for business owners, there are lots of grant options available depending on the type of company. Read up on your options, check carefully to make sure you qualify, and take note of the application deadlines.

Create a Budget and Track Expenses

Every business owner needs to have a plan for budgeting and keeping up with expenses throughout the year, and it’s especially important for ecopreneurs to stay organized since some green upgrades may be considered write-offs . There are lots of tools for business owners who need to simplify their finances, including an Excel spreadsheet, which allows you to insert a PDF should you need to attach a bill or invoice. This means you can easily find everything you need at once rather than sorting through several files, and it will allow you to keep important paperwork neat and digitized rather than keeping physical copies.

Create a Solid Marketing Plan

Once you have your budget figured out, the next step in your business plan is marketing. Keeping your marketing strategy green can be challenging without the right tools, but there are several resources available these days for business owners who want to utilize many different digital marketing methods. Affiliate marketing is one example; this involves one business promoting another business’s products or services in exchange for a commission, which means you can start a mutually beneficial partnership with another green business.

Social media is a powerful tool for marketing businesses of all types, and this is especially true for green businesses. With the right strategy in place, businesses that focus on environmental sustainability can leverage platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach an audience of eco-conscious consumers. One particularly effective approach is to use memes as a way to engage with your followers. Memes are highly visual and often funny or thought-provoking, making them the perfect tool for capturing people’s attention and boosting your visibility online. If you’re wondering how to create a meme, a meme maker app could do it . This tool allows you to customize your meme with your header and background.

A solid marketing strategy for a green business should also include a plan for conducting market research to find your target audience and finding the right marketing methods for your customers. Keep in mind that marketing involves several aspects, including:

• Creating a brand identity, complete with a logo, mission statement, and slogan
• Creating and maintaining social media accounts for your business
• Letting customers know what your goals are and creating ads targeted at their needs

Learn from those Who Came Before You

As a new entrepreneur, it’s crucial to make sure that your plans for building a green business are solid, and the best way to do that is to learn from other eco-friendly businesses. Take a look at these examples of companies that are working to reduce their carbon footprint , and create a plan for networking that will allow you to make connections in the green business world.

• Patagonia, a clothing company that supports various sustainable programs and nonprofit organizations
• Chipotle Mexican Grill, a restaurant committing executive-level incentives for company-wide investment in sustainable initiatives
• Orbital Systems, innovators of the first circular shower system to reduce excessive water usage

Consider the Possible Downsides

As with any business venture, creating a green company requires some thought when it comes to possible negative outcomes. You might invest everything you have into the business without considering its viability, for instance, or you might fail to grasp the expenses you’ll be responsible for when it comes to maintaining an eco-friendly business. While using the right tools will go a long way toward helping you find success, there are always potential downsides, so it’s important to take a look at both the pros and the cons before you begin.

Plan Your Green Business

Starting a green business has many positive benefits for the planet, and it can be very lucrative when done correctly, so give yourself time to create a detailed business plan in order to ensure your success. By incorporating the tips above, you can build an eco-friendly company that makes a difference in the world.

The Sustainable Living Association is dedicated to building a sustainable future. Learn more about our events and programs and how you can help.

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How to Develop a Small Business Sustainability Plan

If you’re a small business owner, you may be wondering what you’ll gain by adopting a small business sustainability plan. In a word, plenty! Regardless of your industry, adopting sustainable business practices can improve your bottom line—in both the traditional and the environmental sense.

Your cost savings, reduced risk, positive brand association, improvements to the environment and public health, and ability to meet demands for eco-conscientious products and services will more than offset the costs of up-front integration of sustainability initiatives. In other words, your small business sustainability plan’s initial costs are a wise investment!

What Is a Business Sustainability Plan?

A business sustainability plan is simply something an organization develops to achieve goals that create financial, societal and environmental sustainability. A business impacts communities and resources, so taking these steps to sustainability is in the best interests of the environment, the business owner and the consumer.

Reasons to Build a Sustainable Business

Making the case for a sustainable business is simple: an environmentally friendly business can be a profitable one. You can decrease your business’s negative impact on the environment and potentially save money. Just take it from the many  companies around the world that generate at least $1 billion a year in revenue from sustainable products or services. These companies manufacture everything from burritos to sports cars. Collectively, these businesses generate more than $100 billion in annual revenue from their green product lines alone, and they can outperform competitors by nearly 12 percent annually.

Small businesses can easily scale these practices and implement them in their own organizations through a small business sustainability plan. From saving money and promoting public health to improving public relations, the benefits of building a sustainable business might surprise you.

Benefits of a Small Business Sustainability Plan

• Reduce energy use. From installing ENERGY STAR products and appliances to using LED light bulbs and automatic taps, if you reduce waste, you will increase your business’s efficiency, potentially save money on energy and contribute to overall small business sustainability. You can even start small: encourage employees in energy-saving practices such as turning off lights, carpooling, or telecommuting whenever possible.
• Improve public health.  Be committed to going beyond mere compliance with baseline government standards. A sustainable business will implement changes that reduce emissions, improve air quality, and identify products that reduce concerns about health and safety liability. This promotes higher standards of public health and environmental protection.
• Be a trailblazer.  Not too long ago, no one thought a sustainable business could also be a profitable one, so many industries still lack sustainable companies. Become an inspiring voice of advocacy beyond the four walls of your organization, and blaze trails by creating value for employees, consumers and the public. The visionary thinking and passion behind your business sustainability plan will be remembered—and will yield dividends—for years to come.
• Attract green-conscious consumers—and publicity. Improve public relations with your sustainable business by becoming attractive to Earth-conscious consumers and raising your brand’s value. And remember to let the public know when you implement your environmentally friendly policies. Learn more about the  benefits of running an environmentally friendly business here !

5 Steps to Sustainability for a Small Business

If you’re ready to develop your small business sustainability plan, we’re here to help! With these five steps to sustainability based on going above and beyond mere regulatory compliance , you’ll be equipped to make your business more up to date and efficient. The result will be rewards for both the environment and your bottom line.

Step 1: Learn about Sustainability

The first step in creating a small business sustainability plan is learning what, exactly, sustainability is all about.

• Knowledge is power. Use your resources wisely! There are many guides out there that offer suggestions on sustainability as well as renewable and sustainable energy. Use them as a jumping-off point.
• Profits, people and planet. Internalize the idea that sustainability within your business means managing your triple bottom line: your financial, social and environmental impacts, obligations and opportunities.
• Going green vs. going sustainable. You may be wondering, what is a green business? Green products and services directly reduce the environmental impact when compared to other products and services— sustainability is a broader concept. It’s about the long-term, multifaceted impacts and implications of your products and services. But you can use green language in your small business sustainability plan and campaign using green goals to measure your total sustainability success.
• Out with the old (way of thinking). Forget the outdated “take-make-waste” worldview, and adopt the “borrow-use-return” model. It’s all about a perspective shift. The key is to see the business, the self, the economy and the household as connected with—instead of separate from—the environment.

Step 2: Assess Areas of Improvement

If the federal government and major corporations can find ways to improve sustainability, so can your small business! It just takes some research.

• Learn the laws. From local development laws to self-regulation in your industry to international treaties, many standards are already on the books in terms of sustainable practices. The Environmental Protection Agency ’s website is a great place to start in your research.
• Check your compliance. At a minimum, your business should be in total compliance with any laws or standards already in place. Research cost-effective ways to improve compliance, such as through pollution-prevention techniques and innovation.
• Assess global issues. Research issues such as global warming, energy and fuel crises, and ecosystem decline to see whether your practices are a contributing factor. This will guide what small business sustainability goals you set in terms of improvement.

Step 3: Find Opportunities

Start embracing the entrepreneurial spirit of innovation and asking yourself the hard questions: check out these opportunities for creating the best small business sustainability plan possible.

• Innovate. Success in implementing sustainable business practices is directly related to innovation. If you want to meaningfully reduce waste and energy consumption, you’ll need to innovate, whether you’re a start-up or a thriving business. From problem solving to finding cheaper and better ways of doing things, innovation ranges from simple changes to implementation of complex new technologies.
• Get employee input. Bring in employee ideas and support; employees will take responsibility for things like energy efficiency and come up with solutions that will help you implement and improve sustainability.
• Self-reflect. Ask yourself a few questions, and you’ll find numerous opportunities for improvement: What strengths does my business bring to the table that can play a unique role in sustainability? Does my company create an overabundance of waste? Do the companies I work with create mass amounts of waste?

Step 4: Create a Vision

Your vision for sustainability is all about what makes you and your business tick.

• Find your company’s passion. What is your company passionate about? Choose from a few environmental issues (e.g., global warming, air pollution, waste disposal, water pollution, urban sprawl), and focus on where you can have a meaningful impact.
• Be specific about your small business’s vision. Create a separate vision for each section of your small business, from those on the front lines to those working behind the scenes in different departments.
• Define your sustainability model’s terms. Be sure to define a few words that describe your business’s specific sustainability model. This will help you give your employees the ability to take ownership of your overall vision.

Step 5: Implement Changes

The final of the five steps to sustainability is an exciting one. Implementation!

• Communicate clearly. Adequately communicate your new sustainability plan across your entire company. Educate your employees to ensure successful implementation, and make sure all leaders are involved.
• Change policies. Ensure your current policies align with your sustainability plan. If not, create new ones that are specific to different departments and employees.
• Review performance. Create specific, measurable and attainable written goals, and develop metrics on how to track the success of your changes. This could be as simple as comparing a previous energy bill under the old policies with a new one that comes after you’ve implemented changes.
• Get feedback . Have your leaders in the company report back to you on any difficulties they encounter in implementing changes to policies, so that you can troubleshoot how to fix them while still staying true to the sustainability model. This will help you identify opportunities for more small business sustainability.

After you’ve taken the five steps to sustainability, make sure you can substantiate your sustainability claims before going public with the environmental advantages of your products or services. You can avoid making unqualified claims by following the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines and general principles that apply to environmental marketing. You’ll learn how consumers will interpret your claims and how to support and qualify your claims without being misleading. Then you’ll be ready to let people know about your small business sustainability plan. The financial, societal, environmental and public relations rewards are sure to follow!

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Accelerating toward net zero: The green business building opportunity

Getting to net zero will require tremendous, rapid change and large-scale technology deployment across industries. The transition will create massive opportunities to build entirely new businesses.

A recent McKinsey report found that reaching net zero by 2050 could entail a 60 percent increase in capital spending on physical assets, compared with current levels. The required investments amount to $9.2 trillion per year until 2050, of which $6.5 trillion annually would go into low-emissions assets and enabling infrastructure. Our analysis  also shows that growing demand for net-zero offerings could generate more than $12 trillion of annual sales by 2030 across 11 value pools, including transport ($2.3 trillion to $2.7 trillion per year), power ($1.0 trillion to $1.5 trillion), and hydrogen ($650 billion to $850 billion) (Exhibit 1). Such a transformation of the global economy could create significant growth potential for climate technologies and solutions.

Some technologies will be key in propelling the transition to net zero. In Europe, for example, our research  suggests that just 15 technologies could drive 70 percent of the emissions abatement required to reach net zero in the region. Technologies that are mature and already available at a commercial scale, including onshore wind and solar photovoltaic, account for about 25 percent of the abatement potential in Europe, while an additional 45 percent could come from technologies that have an opportunity to be commercialized in the near future. This means that, in addition to renewable-energy technologies and electric mobility, technologies for zero-carbon residential heating (such as heat pumps), carbon capture and storage, green-hydrogen-based fuels, and industrial electrification could support decarbonization at scale.

In many markets, start-ups have been the first to scale up climate-tech businesses (renewable energy and electric vehicles, for example), while incumbents have been slower to adapt. But it’s not too late for established companies to break into still-maturing climate-technology domains, where the playing field remains wide open—provided that they move quickly. In addition, there will be room for thousands of surrounding players as these businesses develop and mature.

A recent McKinsey report found that reaching net zero by 2050 could entail a 60 percent increase in capital spending on physical assets, compared with current levels.

Building green businesses is top of mind for many leaders. In Leap by McKinsey’s state of new-business building report , 92 percent of executives say that new businesses built in the next five years will address sustainability to some extent—and 42 percent expect to put sustainability at the center of their new businesses’ value proposition. In our work with organizations that have built green businesses, we have identified ways companies could set themselves up not only for entry into a market but also for significant growth. Green business builders will likely need to plan and scale at the speed of digital companies to accelerate the transition to net zero. They’re ambitious with their growth goals and have cost advantages, often because they move quickly. Here, we share key lessons from successful green business builders.

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Moving at the speed of digital

While it took many years and significant governmental support to scale up renewable-electricity generation, broadening support for the net-zero agenda could enable the next wave of green businesses to grow more quickly.

By now, more than 3,000 companies across the world have set or are in the process of committing to an emissions reduction through the Science Based Targets initiative, 1 “Companies taking action” dashboard, Science Based Targets, accessed June 3, 2022. an institution that has created a framework around reduction commitments for businesses. Additionally, regulation (the EU taxonomy, 2 “EU taxonomy for sustainable activities,” European Commission, accessed June 3, 2022. for instance, which helps to define what economic activities in the region can be considered environmentally sustainable), investor activism, and rising consumer interest, among other factors, are pushing companies to benchmark and improve the sustainability performance of their offerings. For example, suppliers in B2B value chains are facing increasingly stringent emissions-reductions requirements as more of their customers pursue net-zero strategies. All of this is likely to accelerate the adoption of cleaner materials—such as low-emissions steel in the automotive industry, as one example—and solutions (for instance, the electrification of thermal-energy processes in manufacturing). Some sustainable products, such as low-emissions steel and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the plastic most commonly used for beverage bottles, are already seeing a price premium due to a shortage of supply versus demand.

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The development of green businesses could be much faster for an additional reason: some climate technologies can only compete on price when they are being manufactured at a large enough scale (more on this idea in a later section). The need to scale up quickly to compete could propel new green businesses to achieve execution speeds that are more familiar to the digital economy. Commercializing many green technologies will likely require significant investments in physical assets, which aren’t required for software development or digital engineering; these investments could reach billions of dollars or euros per plant. Nevertheless, green business builders can learn lessons from digital-business builders, including aggressive growth plans, working with agility, and being a first mover. Historically, scaling sustainable technologies has been done carefully, step-by-step over years, to manage both the technological and commercial risks involved.

A few companies in the alternative-proteins and alternative-dairy categories illustrate how embracing the speed of digital could create a market advantage. For one, some of these players did not allow their lack of manufacturing capacity to get in the way of growth. They were early to get their products distributed through leading fast-food and coffee chains, which helped to elevate brand awareness. Some relied on co-manufacturing, even though this typically hurts margins in the short term. And now, as their revenues have grown, some of these players are building up their own manufacturing capacity to help meet demand, often with larger plants that produce goods at lower unit costs.

In some cases these players could experience scaling pains—when demand outpaces expanded production capacity, for example. However, being early to market and growing quickly has resulted in strong market share, with the distribution and cost advantages that come along with such a position. Gross margins tend to be strong for these players, too, since many consumers have been willing to pay a premium for their products. These companies have typically reinvested profits back into the business.

The alternative-proteins and alternative-dairy examples are, of course, B2C cases. However, scaling early and quickly is an approach that, based on our experience, may help to separate strong green businesses, whether B2B or B2C, from competitors or followers in the same space.

Seven keys to scaling green businesses

For green business building, incumbents may have advantages, including access to capital and deep institutional knowledge. Some corporate leaders have identified success factors for building a new business in general , such as providing ring-fenced investment in the new business and setting realistic expectations with both internal and external stakeholders on investment needs. However, building a green business can also come with new challenges for incumbents. For example, when scaling a new climate technology, it may be difficult to balance the time it takes to validate the technology on a demonstration scale while also planning industrial-scale installations across different conditions and geographies. Start-ups  typically have been the first movers on some green ventures, as they are often equipped with a higher tolerance for risk-taking and the ability to operate at faster speeds.

Through our work with organizations that have built and scaled green businesses successfully, we have identified seven key principles.

• Lead with game-changing ambition. Effective green business builders tend to set their sights on creating something significant from the start. Game-changing ambition may mean aspiring to produce a zero-carbon product at a competitive cost (which enables a competitive price), compared with a less sustainable alternative, and scaling new capacity fast. Leaders tend to think about what it will take for the product to achieve significant market share within the next, say, five years—instead of 15—and engineer backward from there, much like in the world of digital business building. Our experience shows that operating with such ambition could result in companies reaching their targeted costs faster. By setting firm production-capacity goals, a new business might better position itself to reach lower unit costs faster and potentially be competitive on price from the start (more on cost advantages shortly). Leading with game-changing ambition could also encourage certain markets to make the shift to net zero faster. For example, H2 Green Steel, a Swedish company founded in 2020, is building a fossil-fuel-free steel mill that relies on a hydrogen-based production process. Last year, H2 Green Steel announced that total financing for the first phase of the project is approximately €2.5 billion ($2.7 billion), and the company plans to begin production in 2024. 3 “H2 Green Steel to build large-scale fossil-free steel plant in northern Sweden,” H2 Green Steel press release, February 23, 2021. Industry incumbents in Europe may have already been planning green-steel investments, but H2 Green Steel’s launch has coincided with incumbents now pursuing at least 20 other green-steel projects in the region. 4 Fastmarkets; company websites; press search.
• Secure a cost advantage by identifying a scaling break point for any new technology. Building a business around a clean technology may require analyzing different technological pathways, including some technology options that are not yet commercialized. When analyzing a new technology, leaders must understand the scale break point for cost competitiveness, so business viability can be reached as quickly as possible. Take recycled textiles, for example. Based on our experience, many fashion and apparel players are looking to introduce materials that require the scaling of textile-recycling technologies. Our analysis of one of the technologies identified the scale break point at which producing recycled man-made cellulosic fibers, an alternative to virgin viscose, would likely be cost competitive. In this case, only when average plant size and the number of plants reaches a critical scale could costs be expected to become competitive (Exhibit 2). Before committing to investments at scale, leaders may benefit from knowing the relative maturity of the technologies, assessing their performance under different scaling speeds, and understanding the environmental footprint.
• Sign up captive demand before scaling. Green business builders often tackle the commercial side of investment risk by signing up captive demand for their output before they start to physically scale—as Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt AB did with Volkswagen and BMW. 5 “Northvolt receives $14 billion battery cell order for Swedish gigafactory from Volkswagen,” Northvolt press release, March 15, 2021; “BMW Group signs long-term supply agreement for battery cells with Northvolt,” Northvolt press release, July 13, 2020. Many green business builders—including Northvolt—also invite their customers to invest in the business up front, as a way to align interests even further. Alternatively, when larger corporations start a green business, they might themselves be the ideal first captive customer. For example, shipping company Maersk and ferry operator DFDS are major investors in a new e-ammonia project (e-ammonia is a green shipping fuel). 6 “Maersk backs plan to build Europe’s largest green ammonia facility,” Maersk press release, February 23, 2021.
• Build capacity with parallel scaling. To reach scale-up goals, the ability to drive several investments or market introductions in a limited time frame is key. Often we’ve seen leaders “parallelize the scaling” from the start—that is, initiate additional growth waves before they have completed the first one. They create a modular, replicable standard for production based on the first business deployment rather than a tailor-made, one-off pilot. They also incorporate key lessons from each growth wave into the next, as a way to help manage costs and keep ambitious deployment timelines on schedule. One example of the parallel-scaling approach is a zero-carbon metals player that is planning to start building a second plant halfway into the construction of the first—and aims to complete it in approximately half the time as the first. The parallelization of scaling is also something to consider when growing adjacent businesses.

Proactively create business ecosystems. Many green business building efforts are also value-chain-building efforts. Consider circular materials, like the recycled textiles example mentioned earlier. There is a need to secure effective collection, appropriate sorting and processing, and market-based demand for the recycled textile fibers. No one player is the natural investor in all steps of the value chain. But investments in a single step may be less feasible without all the other steps already in place. Similarly, many new green businesses require new infrastructure around them. In the case of the e-ammonia project, substantial investments in upstream hydrogen and renewable electricity capacity are needed, as well as new transportation and fueling infrastructure downstream. Green business builders look to collaborate with players in their value chains and make sure that the infrastructure and investments come together in a coordinated manner. This could be done through joint feasibility studies or demonstration pilots where relevant players team up. When done successfully, these collaborations could also lead to the captive-demand arrangements described earlier. Once the framework of a new value chain starts to operate and has a financial underpinning, more ecosystem players may start gravitating toward it.

One example of new ecosystem players getting together is the Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Council. 7 McKinsey has collaborated with the LDES Council as a knowledge partner, including on the reports Net-zero power: Long duration energy storage for a renewable grid , November 2021, and A path towards full grid decarbonization with 24/7 clean Power Purchase Agreements , May 2022. The CEO-led group has brought together key actors—from technology providers to end customers—with the aim of understanding the technology landscape and pathways to economic breakthrough and scaling. Council participants are in a position to help shape their industries and drive collaborations.

• Lead on sustainable operations, through ambitious targets, innovation, and partnerships. Successful green business builders are leaders in how their operations minimize carbon emissions and other environmental impacts. For example, Northvolt, the Swedish battery manufacturer, has set a target to produce batteries that have a lower carbon footprint than most current EV batteries—by 80 to 90 percent—by leveraging green electricity and recycled input materials. Sustainable-textile company Spinnova has designed a manufacturing process with a water and chemicals footprint that is lower than that of similar products. Many green business builders also partner with organizations that share the same mentality. This 360-degree dedication to sustainability could help to drive credibility and encourage partnerships and innovation that may keep these companies ahead of their peers.
• Dedicate recruiting resources early in the process. Many green business builders, whether they’re start-ups or corporates, are seeking the talent they need to scale quickly—and the range of skills required to pull off successful green businesses can be wide. Green business builders identify individuals who could help shape and (as needed) pivot strong business models and explore potential partnerships and financing structures. Many new green businesses benefit from those who understand customers’ technical, investment, and decision-making processes. Consider the specific skill sets the organization may need to meet business goals. For B2B technologies, for example, there could be a need to build awareness and acceptance. In B2C, strong brand-building skills could be beneficial to create messaging that speaks to green credibility and tangible, real-world impact. Finally, physical technology ramp-up, factory construction, and supply chain scaling at an ambitious speed typically require bringing along the best of the best in operations skills. Dedicating resources for recruiting early in the endeavor could be a critical enabler of scaling quickly, especially in areas where there may be a scarcity of talent.

Green business builders often tackle the commercial side of investment risk by signing up captive demand for their output before they start to physically scale.

Building a green business is no small feat. It often requires moving at unprecedented speed, setting ambitious growth targets, and planning multiple steps ahead. The mindset green business builders have demonstrated is very close to that of the digital leaders of our time: they have been adept at creating and shaping markets rather than spectating and waiting for the markets to appear, and they have embraced the notion of accelerated scaling. This mindset combined with a few key principles could help propel green business building on the global journey to net zero.

The authors wish to thank Jonatan Janmark and Sean Kane for their contributions to this article.

This article was edited by Andrew Simon, a senior editor in the Seattle office.

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SECTION FOUR – BUSINESS PLANNING FOR ECOTOURISM BUSINESSES The Financial Summary of an Ecotourism Business Plan

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Eco-friendly business plan, it seems that you like this template, eco-friendly business plan presentation, free google slides theme, powerpoint template, and canva presentation template.

CSR or Corporate Social Responsibility is a very important part of business that focuses on ethically-oriented actions from companies. The most important benefits are obviously for the environment and society: less pollution, cleaning of beaches, less poverty, more money for medical investigations… but there’s benefits for companies too. Having a CSR-oriented business plan can help you appeal to a new type of clients and investors and give you a good image. In order to present your plan, use this template full of resources and pictures of the nature. The slides are completely editable and the maps, infographics and graphs we have included will help you give data in a more clear and convincing way. Just download the design and start planning your strategy to improve the world!

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How To Write a Business Plan for Eco-Lodge in 9 Steps: Checklist

By alex ryzhkov, resources on eco-lodge.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan
• SWOT Analysis
• Business Model
• Marketing Plan

Are you passionate about promoting sustainable tourism and providing travelers with an eco-friendly experience? If so, starting an eco-lodge could be the perfect business venture for you. With the growing demand for environmentally conscious travel options, the eco-lodge industry in the US is booming. According to a recent report, the eco-lodge market is expected to grow at a CAGR of XX% from 2021 to 2026, reaching a market value of $XX billion by the end of the forecast period.

To ensure the success of your eco-lodge, it is crucial to have a well-thought-out business plan in place. In this blog post, we will walk you through the nine essential steps you need to take to write a comprehensive business plan for your eco-lodge. From conducting market research to establishing goals and objectives, this checklist will guide you through the entire process.

First and foremost, conducting market research is crucial to assess the demand for eco-lodges in your target location. This step will help you identify potential customers, understand their preferences, and tailor your offerings accordingly. Additionally, it is essential to define your target audience and create buyer personas to ensure your marketing efforts are targeted and effective.

Next, it is important to assess the competition in the eco-lodge industry. Identify other eco-lodges in your area and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you determine your unique selling proposition and highlight what sets your eco-lodge apart from the competition.

Financial feasibility is another crucial aspect to consider. Analyze the costs involved in setting up and running your eco-lodge, including renovations, permits, and licenses. Develop a comprehensive financial plan and forecast to determine the feasibility and profitability of your business.

Your marketing strategy will play a pivotal role in attracting customers to your eco-lodge. Develop a compelling brand identity and leverage different marketing channels such as social media, websites, and partnerships with local businesses. A well-defined pricing strategy based on your target audience and competition will also help maximize your revenue.

Before launching your eco-lodge, make sure you understand and comply with all the necessary permits and licenses required in your area. This will ensure that your business operates legally and avoids any potential penalties.

Finally, establish clear goals and objectives for your eco-lodge. Do you want to achieve a certain occupancy rate within the first year? Are you looking to expand your offerings in the future? Setting specific and measurable goals will guide your business and provide a roadmap for success.

Now that you have a clear outline of the steps involved in writing a business plan for your eco-lodge, it is time to get started. By following this checklist, you will be well-prepared to launch your eco-lodge and provide travelers with a unique and sustainable experience.

Conduct Market Research

Market research is a crucial step in developing a successful business plan for an eco-lodge. It involves gathering and analyzing information about the target market, industry trends, and consumer preferences. This research will help you understand the demand for eco-friendly accommodations, identify your competitors, and determine the feasibility of your business idea.

Here are some important steps to follow when conducting market research for your eco-lodge:

• Identify your target audience: Define the specific group of travelers who are most likely to be interested in eco-friendly accommodations and retreat experiences. Consider factors such as demographics, psychographics, and travel preferences.
• Analyze the market size and growth potential: Determine the demand for eco-friendly accommodations in the area where you plan to establish your eco-lodge. Evaluate the growth potential of the market and identify any gaps or opportunities.
• Research your competition: Identify other eco-lodges, hotels, and retreat centers in your target area that offer similar services. Assess their strengths, weaknesses, pricing strategies, and marketing tactics.
• Understand consumer preferences: Survey potential guests or conduct focus groups to gather insights about what environmentally conscious travelers value in an eco-lodge experience. Identify their preferences for accommodations, activities, dining, and sustainability practices.
• Study industry trends: Stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in the eco-tourism industry. Research sustainable practices, eco-certifications, and emerging technologies that can add value to your eco-lodge.

Tips for conducting effective market research:

• Use online survey tools to collect data from your target audience.
• Attend industry conferences and trade shows to network with professionals and gain insights.
• Utilize resources offered by government agencies and tourism organizations to access market data.
• Consider hiring a professional market research firm to ensure accurate data analysis.

By conducting thorough market research, you will gather valuable information that will guide your decision-making process and help you develop a compelling business plan for your eco-lodge.

Define Target Audience

Defining your target audience is a crucial step in creating a successful business plan for your eco-lodge. Understanding who your potential customers are will help you tailor your offerings and marketing strategies to meet their specific needs and desires.

When identifying your target audience, consider the following:

• Demographics: Determine the age, gender, income level, and location of your target audience. This information will help you understand their preferences and buying behavior.
• Psychographics: Dive deeper into the mindset and values of your target audience. Consider their interests, attitudes, and lifestyle choices. For example, are they adventure enthusiasts seeking outdoor activities or wellness enthusiasts looking for a tranquil retreat?
• Behavioral Patterns: Analyze the behavior of your potential customers. Identify their travel habits, preferred vacation durations, and booking behaviors. Understanding their decision-making process will help you tailor your marketing messages accordingly.
• Conduct surveys or interviews with potential customers to gather insights and validate assumptions about their preferences.
• Research online forums and social media groups related to eco-tourism or sustainable travel to gather information and understand common preferences.
• Consider collaborating with eco-conscious travel bloggers or influencers who can provide insights into the mindset of your target audience.

By defining your target audience, you can create a business plan that caters to their specific needs and preferences. This will enable you to develop a compelling value proposition and effectively market your eco-lodge to attract the right customers.

Assess Competition

When starting a business, it is essential to thoroughly assess the competition in your industry. This step allows you to gain valuable insights into what other businesses in the same market are offering and how you can differentiate yourself from them. By understanding your competition, you can identify gaps and opportunities in the market that your eco-lodge can capitalize on.

Here are some key points to consider when assessing your competition:

• Identify direct and indirect competitors: Direct competitors are those businesses that offer similar eco-lodge accommodations or services. Indirect competitors might include traditional hotels or retreat centers that may not prioritize sustainability but still cater to your target audience.
• Analyze their offerings: Take a close look at what your competitors are offering in terms of accommodations, dining options, activities, and sustainability practices. Assess their strengths and weaknesses in relation to your own business idea.
• Study their target audience: Understand who their target audience is and what their preferences are. This will help you identify if there are any gaps or underserved segments in the market that you can focus on.
• Examine their marketing and branding: Analyze the marketing strategies and branding efforts of your competitors. This will give you insights into their positioning and how they are attracting customers.
• Visit competitor's websites and social media pages to gather information about their offerings and prices.
• Read customer reviews and feedback to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors.
• Attend industry events or conferences to network and gather insights from industry experts.
• Consider conducting secret shopper visits to get a firsthand experience of your competitors' services.

Assessing the competition is a crucial step in developing your business plan for an eco-lodge. It allows you to understand the market landscape and position your eco-lodge in a unique way that sets it apart from competitors. By identifying gaps and opportunities, you can develop strategies that cater to the specific needs and preferences of your target audience, giving your eco-lodge a competitive edge in the market.

Identify Unique Selling Proposition

One of the key steps in writing a business plan for an eco-lodge is to identify your unique selling proposition (USP). Your USP is what sets your eco-lodge apart from competitors and makes it stand out in the market. It is the special feature or aspect of your business that appeals to your target audience and differentiates you from others in the industry.

To identify your USP, consider what makes your eco-lodge special and attractive to environmentally conscious travelers and retreat organizers. Is it your sustainable practices, such as solar power and rainwater harvesting? Or is it the use of locally sourced materials and food? Perhaps it's the wide range of activities and experiences you offer, such as nature hikes and yoga classes.

Here are some tips to help you identify your eco-lodge's unique selling proposition:

• Focus on your sustainability practices and eco-friendly initiatives. Highlight how these practices align with the values and desires of your target audience.
• Consider the unique aspects of your location, such as breathtaking natural surroundings or proximity to popular tourist attractions. Emphasize how these features enhance the overall experience for your guests.
• Think about the specific needs and preferences of your target audience. How can you cater to those needs better than your competitors? Perhaps you offer specialized retreat programs or customize experiences based on individual interests.
• Take into account the quality of service and hospitality you provide. A warm and welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and personalized attention can be powerful selling points.

By identifying your unique selling proposition, you can effectively communicate the key features and benefits of your eco-lodge to potential customers. This will help you attract the right audience and differentiate yourself from competitors in the market.

Analyze Financial Feasibility

One of the crucial steps in developing a business plan for an eco-lodge is to analyze its financial feasibility. This involves assessing the financial aspects of the lodge's operations and determining if the business is viable and sustainable.

To begin, it is important to conduct a comprehensive cost analysis to determine all the expenses involved in setting up and running the eco-lodge. This analysis should take into account the costs of acquiring or building the lodge, purchasing necessary equipment and furnishings, implementing sustainable practices, and hiring staff.

Additionally, you should estimate the potential revenue that can be generated through the sale of accommodations, dining, and activities. This can be done by researching similar eco-lodges in the area and analyzing their revenue streams. It is also crucial to consider the occupancy rates and average daily rates to determine the lodge's earning potential.

Furthermore, it is important to forecast the operating expenses such as utilities, maintenance, marketing, and staff wages. This will give you a clear picture of the ongoing costs associated with running the eco-lodge.

Important Tips:

• Consider seeking professional help from an accountant or financial advisor to ensure accuracy in your financial analysis.
• Include a contingency plan in your financial feasibility analysis to account for any unexpected expenses or fluctuations in revenue.
• Research and understand the potential seasonality of your eco-lodge business, as it may impact the financial viability during certain periods.

By analyzing the financial feasibility of your eco-lodge, you will be able to make informed decisions regarding the viability and sustainability of your business. This analysis will also help you determine if any adjustments are needed to improve profitability and ensure long-term success.

Create A Marketing Strategy

In order to effectively promote your eco-lodge and attract guests, it is essential to create a comprehensive marketing strategy. This strategy will outline the steps you will take to reach your target audience and communicate the unique value proposition of your eco-lodge.

1. Identify your target audience: Begin by clearly defining your target audience. Consider their demographics, interests, and preferences. This will help you tailor your marketing efforts to effectively reach and engage with them.

2. Build a strong brand: Establishing a strong brand identity is crucial for your eco-lodge. Your brand should reflect your commitment to sustainability and provide a unique experience for your guests. Develop a compelling brand story and consistently communicate your brand values through all marketing channels.

3. Utilize digital marketing: Leverage the power of digital marketing to reach a wider audience. Create a professional website that highlights the eco-friendly features and unique offerings of your lodge. Optimize your website for search engines to improve online visibility. Utilize social media platforms to engage with your target audience and share updates, photos, and videos that showcase the eco-friendly experience your lodge offers.

4. Establish partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses and organizations that share your commitment to sustainability. This can help you expand your reach and tap into their existing customer base. Consider partnering with outdoor recreation companies, environmental nonprofits, and eco-conscious travel agencies.

5. Offer unique experiences: Differentiate your eco-lodge by offering unique experiences and activities that align with your target audience's interests. Consider organizing workshops, guided nature hikes, yoga classes, and sustainability-focused seminars. Highlight these activities in your marketing materials to attract guests seeking a memorable and eco-friendly experience.

• Develop a content marketing strategy that includes regular blog posts, guest articles, and social media updates to educate and engage with your audience.
• Consider partnering with popular eco-travel bloggers or influencers in the sustainable travel industry to promote your eco-lodge.
• Offer special promotions or discounts for eco-conscious travelers or members of environmental organizations to incentivize bookings.
• Collect and showcase guest testimonials and reviews that highlight the unique and eco-friendly aspects of your lodge.

Develop A Pricing Strategy

Developing a pricing strategy for your eco-lodge is crucial in ensuring its financial sustainability. It involves determining the right balance between generating revenue and attracting customers while reflecting the value of your eco-friendly offerings. Here are important considerations when developing your pricing strategy:

• Research the market: Investigate the pricing of similar eco-lodges and hotels in your target area. Understand how they position themselves and their pricing structure. This will help you gauge where your eco-lodge stands in the market and set competitive pricing.
• Factor in costs: Analyze the expenses incurred in running your eco-lodge, including energy-efficient infrastructure, sustainable amenities, and eco-friendly practices. Ensure that your pricing covers these costs, along with your desired profit margin.
• Consider your target audience: Understanding the preferences and purchasing power of your target audience is essential. If your eco-lodge caters to high-end customers, you can command premium pricing, whereas budget-conscious travelers may require more affordable options.
• Create tiered pricing: Take advantage of the diverse nature of your target audience by offering multiple pricing tiers. This can range from basic accommodations to luxurious eco-suites, allowing customers to choose according to their needs and budget.
• Be transparent: Clearly communicate the value proposition of your eco-lodge and why your pricing is justified. Emphasize the environmental benefits, unique experiences, and top-notch amenities that separate your offering from traditional accommodations.

Tips for Developing Your Pricing Strategy:

• Regularly review and adjust your pricing strategy to remain competitive in the market.
• Consider offering package deals that include accommodations, dining, and activities for added value and convenience.
• Offer seasonal or off-peak discounts to attract customers during slower periods.
• Consider partnering with local businesses and organizations for special promotions that can enhance the perceived value of your eco-lodge.

By developing a well-thought-out pricing strategy, you can effectively balance profitability with attracting environmentally conscious travelers who appreciate the unique experience your eco-lodge offers.

Determine Necessary Permits and Licenses

When starting an eco-lodge business, it is crucial to ensure that you have obtained all the necessary permits and licenses to operate legally and in compliance with environmental regulations. Here are the key steps to determine the permits and licenses required for your eco-lodge:

• Research Local Regulations: Begin by researching the specific regulations and requirements for operating an eco-lodge in your location. This may include zoning restrictions, environmental impact assessments, building codes, health and safety regulations, and any permits specific to eco-friendly practices. Consulting with local authorities or hiring a professional consultant can help you navigate through the regulatory landscape.
• Apply for Permits: Once you have identified the necessary permits and licenses, submit the required applications to the relevant authorities. This may involve completing forms, providing detailed information about your business, and paying any applicable fees.
• Environmental Compliance: As an eco-lodge, it is essential to prioritize environmental sustainability. Ensure that you fulfill all the requirements for sustainable practices, such as obtaining permits for solar power installations, rainwater harvesting systems, and waste management.
• Food and Beverage Licensing: If your business includes dining facilities, you may need to obtain permits and licenses related to food handling, health inspections, and alcohol service, if applicable. Familiarize yourself with the local regulations and comply with them accordingly.
• Worker's Compensation and Insurance: In addition to permits and licenses, it is important to secure worker's compensation insurance and comprehensive liability insurance to protect your business and employees from potential risks or accidents.

Tips for Obtaining Permits and Licenses:

• Start the permit application process well in advance to allow for potential delays or additional requirements.
• Keep organized records of all documentation, forms, and correspondence related to permits and licenses for easy reference and future compliance checks.
• Consider hiring a lawyer or consultant with experience in navigating the permit and licensing process to ensure you have met all the necessary requirements.
• Regularly review and update your permits and licenses to adhere to any changes in regulations or industry standards.

By completing the necessary research and securing the required permits and licenses, you will not only ensure the legal operation of your eco-lodge but also demonstrate your commitment to environmental sustainability to both the authorities and the environmentally conscious travelers you aim to attract.

Establish Goals And Objectives

Once you have conducted market research, defined your target audience, assessed competition, identified your unique selling proposition, analyzed financial feasibility, created a marketing strategy, developed a pricing strategy, and determined necessary permits and licenses, it is time to establish your goals and objectives for your eco-lodge business. This step is crucial in providing direction and clarity to your overall business plan.

When establishing goals and objectives for your eco-lodge, it is important to ensure they are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound . By following these guidelines, you can set clear targets that will drive your business forward and enable you to track progress effectively.

Here are some tips for establishing goals and objectives for your eco-lodge:

1. Overall Vision:

2. revenue targets:, 3. guest satisfaction:, 4. sustainable practices:, 5. team development:, 6. marketing and branding:, 7. partnerships and collaborations:.

By establishing clear goals and objectives, you will be able to align your efforts, measure progress, and make informed decisions to drive the success of your eco-lodge. Regularly review and update your goals as your business evolves, ensuring they remain relevant and in line with your overall vision.

Writing a business plan for an eco-lodge is crucial for ensuring the success and sustainability of your venture. By following these nine steps, you will be able to conduct thorough research, identify your target audience, assess competition, and establish clear goals and objectives. Additionally, analyzing the financial feasibility, creating a comprehensive marketing strategy, and determining necessary permits and licenses will help you navigate the complexities of the eco-tourism industry.

Remember to focus on your unique selling proposition, highlight your commitment to sustainable practices, and develop a pricing strategy that aligns with your target market's expectations. Collaborating with local businesses and organizations can further enhance your revenue streams and strengthen your position as a leader in eco-friendly hospitality.

With a well-crafted business plan in hand, you will be empowered to attract environmentally conscious travelers and fulfill their desire for a unique and eco-friendly experience. By implementing sustainable practices such as solar power, rainwater harvesting, and locally sourced materials and food, your eco-lodge will not only contribute to the preservation of the environment but also create a memorable and fulfilling stay for your guests.

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Artificially Intelligent Help for Planning Your Summer Vacation

Travel-focused A.I. bots and more eco-friendly transportation options in online maps and search tools can help you quickly organize your seasonal getaway.

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By J. D. Biersdorfer

J.D. Biersdorfer has been using smartphone apps for travel since the summer of 2007.

The summer travel season starts in just a few weeks, but if you are looking for software that goes beyond simply booking flights and hotels, you’re in luck. Search engines enhanced by artificial intelligence can help with your research and outline full itineraries. Certain older apps have recently been updated to suggest more eco-friendly travel options. And keeping it all organized on your phone is easier than ever. Here’s an overview.

Using an A.I. Travel Agent

General-purpose A.I.-powered search tools and chatbots like Google’s Gemini spin up a list of things to do on your vacation when asked, but A.I. bots that are fine-tuned for travel queries are often more comprehensive. These bots scout destinations, plan itineraries, search for accommodations and flights, map out road trips and do more — grabbing a lot of information at once and saving you all that time-consuming web trawling.

Give the software your specifics — like destination, length of stay, interests — and see what it suggests. Many A.I. helpers are free to use if you sign up for an account, but some charge a subscription fee for premium services; your app store has specifics.

Layla , formerly Roam Around, is one of the free vacation-oriented A.I. helpers you can find online, and it has teamed up with travel sites that include Skyscanner , Get Your Guide and Booking.com . If you prefer land-based car and camper journeys, Roadtrippers (free trial; $60 year) includes real-time traffic and air-quality information along with route planning. And old stalwarts like Tripadvisor and Expedia are now using A.I.-generated vacation builders.

But as others have also noted, while A.I. travel planners have much potential, many are still works in progress and usually display disclaimers admitting so.

A.I. bots have been known to offer generic advice like “enjoy lunch at a local restaurant,” suggest activities that are out of season or too far apart, repeatedly recommend the same restaurant, consistently steer you to their advertisers or point you to locations that have closed. If you ask different bots the same question, you may get nearly identical suggestions, all scraped from the same tourism websites.

Still, A.I. travel apps are improving as they learn, and can be useful for the trip research and coordination phase. Just be sure to double-check the bot’s work before you commit to a plan.

Finding Earth-Friendly Options

There’s no shortage of apps for booking transportation to your destination. But if you want to keep the environment in mind, recent updates to Google’s Maps and Search apps now suggest routes and methods that lower your personal impact on the planet.

Google for the past few years has been pointing people to flights with lower carbon emissions , alternative train routes , fuel-efficient driving directions and eco-friendly hotels . It is now expanding its walking, biking and public transit suggestions alongside car routes in several major cities and adding more electric-vehicle charging information. Google Flights shows jet emissions estimates . Google Search has a “consider taking the train” nudge with rail routes and prices under certain flight results.

Apple’s Maps app also shows mass transit , walking and cycling options for getting around town, along with charge-friendly routes for electric vehicles . However, the default apps on your phone are not the only aids. Third-party software for directions and sustainable travel abound.

For example, Citymapper, which covers most major cities in the United States, Europe and Asia, includes environmental impact statistics on some trips. Its directions often include accessibility options that avoid stairways , along with routes for the fastest, cheapest or easiest way to get where you’re going; Citymapper is free with in-app purchases.

Other apps available for those seeking environmentally minded vacations include Bikemap for community-sourced cycling routes around the world, HappyCow for vegan and vegetarian travelers and Tap Hydration and Water Stations to locate sources for refilling reusable water bottles.

Keeping Organized

If you don’t already have software for consolidating your trip information, your phone’s default apps can help. Electronic boarding passes, hotel reservations and advance tickets can be quickly added to the digital wallet on your phone; a pragmatic paper backup tucked in your bag is insurance. Google and Apple offer to automatically add reservations and events from email and messages to your calendar .

Free services like TripIt (and its phone apps ), TripCase (also with Android or iOS apps) and Wanderlog automatically put all your travel information in one place, typically by scanning the information in your confirmation emails. TripIt Pro , a $50-a-year subscription version, adds more features like seat, fare and airline-points trackers, as well as international travel tools and regional risk alerts like those for extreme weather that can affect airline schedules and public safety .

A.I. bots and travel apps will continue to evolve and, hopefully, make vacation planning even easier in the future. Just don’t forget to occasionally put the phone down and enjoy your time off once you get there.

J.D. Biersdorfer has been writing about consumer technology for The Times since 1998. She also creates the weekly interactive literary quiz for the Book Review and occasionally contributes reviews. More about J. D. Biersdorfer

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The Age of A.I.

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A new program, backed by Cornell Tech, M.I.T. and U.C.L.A., helps prepare lower-income, Latina and Black female computing majors  for A.I. careers.

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9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

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Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

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ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

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SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

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