France

Grand Large Yachting

A group of 16 leading boat manufacturers and eight industry associations have come together to develop the first-ever environmental footprint methodology for recreational boats under 24 metres.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/308823/image/large-7f755a2c28b948b5137b3cb872f411d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/308823">Tackling climate change and minimising environmental impact a is a significant challenge for the yachting industry. The industry is committed to addressing emissions across the entire lifecycle, however this is only possible with a unified approach.Developed under the umbrella of the European Boating Industry (EBI), the project will be backed up by a database and assessment tool, to allow small and large manufacturers to access the green transition.Among those involved with the project include, Amel Yachts, Amer Yachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimut|Benetti Group</a>, Bavaria Yachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7047" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Beneteau (Company)">Beneteau Group</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7265" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere Del Pardo (Company)">Cantiere del Pardo</a>, Catana Group, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a>, Fountaine Pajot, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Large Yachting (Company)">Grand Large Yachting</a>, Greenline, Inha Works, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>, Sasga, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a>.The environmental sustainability consultancy Quantis has been chosen as technical partner for the project, with ICOMIA, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations, acting as a strategic partner of the project to ensure global alignment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/308818/image/large-e1d9f5e94b0e65abeb83a659c96ef5a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/308818">“This is a unique and highly welcome cooperation,” explained Robert Marx, President of EBI. “For the first time, competing manufacturers are committed to jointly addressing the sustainability challenge.”The project will be conducted in two phases, first focusing on developing a science-based and transparent environmental footprint methodology to harmonise calculation rules. In the second phase, the focus will be on implementing this with a comprehensive materials database and user-friendly calculation tool.&nbsp;This will allow manufacturers to conduct eco-design and comprehensively reduce environmental impact, as well as communicate the environmental footprint to consumers, stakeholders and regulators. The project hopes to eventually go beyond carbon emissions and include other critical environmental indicators.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/308824/image/large-13ce8e821b3be7401b58db04e363f78a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/308824">“The outcomes will allow companies of all sizes to access the green transition without greenwashing, reduce environmental impact and proactively shape the regulatory approach in Europe and globally,” added Robert Marx.This combined effort will allow the yachting industry to comply with the latest EU environmental legislation and be ahead of the regulatory curve. The project has already been presented to the EU Commission and has received strong support.The threshold of 24 metres was chosen to align with EU regulations, and will be based on a coherent Life Cycle Assessment approach, following the stringent EU Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules.“We need a proactive and pragmatic approach to sustainability and this project will develop the tools that industry needs,” concluded Robert Marx.

Boating industry to develop landmark Environmental Footprint Standard 

A group of boat manufacturers and industry associations have come together to develop the first environmental footprint methodology for boats.