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Sail-World.com : Green Marinas: a global wave of change
Green Marinas: a global wave of change
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‘Green’ is the theme, ‘carbon’ the chorus in today’s consumer landscape, and the Marina Industry Association of Australia and its members are at the forefront, working to adopt world’s best practice.
Colin Bransgrove, MIAA Executive Officer, says that to the credit of the national industry and the Association, they are ahead of emerging consumer trends, launching and supporting initiatives such as the Clean Marinas program and Low Carbon Marinas.
'We achieved certification for Clean Marinas in 2002 and Low Carbon Marinas in 2008, and they are both initiatives we’re proud of. The Low Carbon Marinas program is a world first, and we have two marinas to date who are recognized as carbon neutral – Soldiers Point in NSW and Marina YE in Victoria.'
Soldiers Point Marina certification of NoCO2 under the Low Carbon Marina Initiative required it to undergo a comprehensive carbon footprint analysis with the Carbon Reduction Institute, and a subsequent implementation of customised carbon reduction strategies and the purchase of certified carbon credits, used to mitigate a company’s greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, electricity use, and other sources.
'The marina sells fuel and undertakes other activities which create a carbon footprint, and buys carbon credits to offset that,' explains Bransgrove.
Marinas and allied marine businesses are able to implement various 'green' strategies, says Bransgrove.
'The first is changing human behaviours, both as boaters and industry. For example, managing waste, sewerage pump out and disposal of rubbish. Boaters can invest in upgrading their boat technology to reduce emissions.
Industry can invest in the facilities that support better practices. Government is able to assist with upgraded facilities and in terms of regulations and changes to environmental law.'
One of the main trends rising in popularity with marinas is the treatment and recycling of waste water. 'This is a very obvious one, since it’s part of everyday life in washing vessels and equipment at marinas.'
The state EPAs and organisations like the Swan River Trust are entirely supportive of the Clean Marinas program, encouraging marinas in their regions to participate, says Bransgrove. But while the state EPAs vary in their requirements and codes, the MIAA Clean Marinas Level 3 program is 'a good management code' marinas can follow.
Level 3 Clean Marinas are independently audited using a 143-point criteria that assesses environmental facilities, practices and procedures. Currently there are 46 marinas at this level – or roughly 20% of the Australian marina industry – and many more marinas are coming through the program.
 | Soldiers Point Marina, the country’s first certified carbon neutral marina. - MIAA |
At Coomera on Queensland's Gold Coast, the Gold Coast City Marina has implemented a rainwater harvesting system to capture rain from the Dry Boat Storage building’s substantial roof area. The water is collected and stored in large above ground tanks and can then be pumped under pressure to the numerous taps that service the outside hardstand areas. The GCCM estimates that this scheme will save the company about 180,000 litres of water per year.
The GCCM has achieved Level 3 certification, under Clean Marinas scheme and in November 2007, GCCM was awarded the Gold Coast City Council’s Environmental Achievement Award, highlighting its commitment to continued environmental improvement and eco sustainability.
Since July 2010, the Clean Marinas standard has introduced a Level 4 ISO 14001. Three South Australian marinas have already achieved this world standard for environmental management systems: Cape Jaffa Anchorage, Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia and The Marina Hindmarsh Island.
'By building level 4 into the Clean Marinas program MIAA is demonstrating industry’s capacity for environmental leadership,' says Bransgrove. 'It is keeping ahead of community expectations and government regulation. Level 4 ISO Clean Marinas are audited annually and subject to a rigorous assessment of environmental management processes and practices. Level 4 is considered world’s best practice in environmental management. ISO rating is a globally recognised benchmark.'
While Australia is certainly 'one of the leaders' in environmental management, there are pockets in Europe and the US that are exemplary.
'In Scandinavian countries and the US, there is strong government support to assist industry in implementing these kinds of initiatives. In Australia, much of the financial assistance goes to not-for-profit organisations and community groups. There is certainly an opportunity for government here.'
Globally, there is increasing dialogue among the marina manufacturers, developers and operators. Says Bransgrove: 'There is a growing awareness, a global transfer of ideas about environmental best practice through ICOMIA. There are also several important world events held in Europe and the US annually which MIAA directors attend and where ideas are shared.'
Reinforcing the green message is an important demonstration to the public, boating community and government that the marina industry is committed to a sustainable future.
'It makes good business sense too, because marinas that achieve certification to level 3 or 4 are showing that they are contributing to the protection of their local environment. Their communities respect them for that and their relationships with government are enhanced. Ultimately, it converts to more business.'
Andrew Barson, Projects Director at the Carbon Reduction Institute believes the marine industry is perfect for this type of environmental initiative.
'Marinas and marine businesses are located right on our waterways and face the realities of environmental impact every day. The threat of ocean acidification and rising sea levels is something the marine industry and boating public should be deeply concerned about.
'In terms of business ROI, showing environmental leadership appeals to consumers who are seeking companies and organizations who are addressing issues of climate change.'
More at www.marinas.net.au and http://www.noco2.com.au/
by Jeni Bone
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http://www.marinebusiness-world.com/index.cfm?nid=73148
2:31 AM Tue 10 Aug 2010 GMT
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