Resource Efficiency
Energy
The terms
'Climate Change' and 'Greenhouse Effect' are now in everyday use,
in our school curriculums, the media, and our workplaces and homes.
But what does climate change mean for the average boater?
Hot sunny summers, calm waters and more days to get out on the
water? Probably not. Despite the fact that the earth will be
warming, here in the UK we will probably be facing worsening
weather, damp summers and stormier winters, which means fewer fine
days to enjoy our sport.
Increased
frequency and intensity of stormy weather can lead to more
expensive insurance premiums for boat users as more equipment and
boats become damaged in bad weather conditions. Added to this, we
are likely to see a rise in sea levels in the UK as ice caps and
glaciers melt in other parts of the globe. A rise in sea levels
could mean a loss of facilities, or marinas and clubs having to
make expensive alterations to their amenities, alterations
that boat owners and boat users will ultimately have to foot the
bill for.
So what
is to be done? Well the good news is that we can all easily reduce
our energy consumption both at home and on board. By introducing a
few simple, low cost energy saving measures, you could save as much
as 20% on your energy bills, so it makes sound financial and
environmental sense to reduce consumption and cut emissions as much
as possible.
Everything has a carbon footprint from the produce we buy to the
kit we use on board. Check out our best practice advice to see
how you can reduce your footprint.
Best Practice Advice Leaflets & Resources Green Products
Water
It seems to rain so much in the UK,
that it is difficult to see why it is so important to save
water. However despite our seemingly wet climate some parts
of the UK are experiencing water shortages. The South East of
England has less water available per person than Sudan and Syria
(Waterwise).
About one third of the water each person uses on a daily
basis is wasted – it runs straight down the plughole without being
used. What’s more, the energy required to treat, pump and heat the
water produces significant amounts of Carbon Dioxide, one of the
green house gases responsible for Climate change.
Although there is
currently no legal duty to conserve water it does make
environmental and financial sense not to waste it, particularly if
you consider that we pay for water twice – for the supply of
clean drinkable water and for the removal of waste water.
Best Practice Advice
Leaflets & Resources
Green Products
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