Barriers to Environmental Sustainability Facing Small Businesses in Durham, NC

Abstract

Conventional approaches to implementing environmental practices often rely on assumptions and measures predominantly developed for large corporations. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) frequently operate much differently and encounter a variety of barriers to environmental practices that may not exist in the larger corporate arena. This research paper analyzes the barriers small businesses face to implementing environmental measures through interviews with nine companies in the Durham, North Carolina area. The study finds that financial cost is the main barrier, followed by a lack of time to devote to environmental measures, and a lack of knowledge of actions that can be taken. The study concludes with recommendations for regulatory and policy updates, economic incentives, and information resources to help mitigate the environmental barriers facing small businesses in Durham.

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