by Water Revolution Foundation | 26 Sep 2024 | Press Releases
Unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show, the latest edition of the Designers’ Protocol sets a new standard for environmental yacht design, offering actionable principles and detailed recommendations for every new yacht project.
The result of a collective initiative spearheaded by Dickie Bannenberg of Bannenberg & Rowell Design in collaboration with Water Revolution Foundation’s Sustainable Yacht Design Taskforce, this new and improved document outlines critical considerations for yacht owners and designers alike, emphasising the importance of making environmentally-conscious choices from the initial phase of design.
Industry expert perspectives
A panel discussion between participating yacht designers, naval architects, and industry professionals took place to offer insights into their contributions within the Protocol. Moderated by Francesca Webster, Editor in Chief of SuperYacht Times, representatives on the panel included Dan Wupperman, Head of Group Initial Design at Espen Oeino International, Tanno Weeda, Head of Design at De Voogt Naval Architects, and Matthew Anzardo, Global Segment Lead at AkzoNobel. The discussion highlighted that yacht design demands a collaborative effort, where designers, naval architects, and suppliers must join forces to address challenges and merge their unique expertise.
By emphasising holistic design, energy efficiency, and innovation within the Protocol, the industry can advance toward environmental sustainability: “We need to make clients aware of what is possible in a comprehensive way and move forward accordingly together. Those who don’t join us will be left behind,” Weeda remarked.
Clear recommendations across nine key areas
The document covers nine key subjects associated with yacht design, offering both broad and specific recommendations. It begins with general guidance on the Life Cycle Approach, operational profiles, and energy sources, before delving into more detailed considerations such as hotel load and A/C systems, glazing treatments, and hull colour. Contributions from industry leaders including AkzoNobel, Bannenberg & Rowell Design, De Voogt Naval Architects, Espen Oeino International, Eckersley O’Callaghan, RWD, and Viken Group have shaped this comprehensive guide.
Designers as key drivers of change
Yacht designers hold a unique responsibility in guiding clients toward more sustainable choices. As one of the first points of contact, they are uniquely positioned to influence decisions that can lead to the development of eco-friendlier yachts. The Protocol empowers designers with practical knowledge that enable them to advocate for and ensure that environmental responsibility is embedded in every new project from the outset.
“In general, most clients have been engaged by the ideas within the Protocol,” Wupperman mentioned. “While some were initially uninterested, once we start demonstrating the benefits and taking them through the process step by step, it opens the door to conversations. We bring in the ideas, engage the shipyard, and ultimately convince the client to do a little bit more.”
A unified effort
The Designers’ Protocol represents a collaborative effort across various sectors of the yachting industry, bringing together the expertise of suppliers, naval architects, engineers, and design studios. This cross-industry cooperation of pooled knowledge and expertise represents a crucial united vision for advancing environmental responsibility in yachting. “It’s not one magic bullet – the whole industry must work together to make yachting more sustainable,” said Anzardo. Summing it up, Wupperman added, “The Protocol’s aim is to bring all designers together to solve many different challenges collectively – not just one project. And it’s been a lot of fun getting to know other companies and their perspectives as we all work towards the same goal.”
Access the protocol here.
by Water Revolution Foundation | 25 Sep 2024 | Press Releases
Water Revolution Foundation and Seastainable Yachting are proud to announce the launch of Version 2 of the Environmental Crew Guidelines at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. The updated edition builds upon the success of the inaugural version, offering an enhanced toolkit to support the yachting industry’s transition towards more environmentally-friendly operations.
The Environmental Crew Guidelines represent a significant step forward in the collective effort to reduce the environmental impact of the global superyacht fleet. These enhanced guidelines, developed for and by crew, now provide more practical and actionable advice for implementing better practices across all facets of onboard operations.
Enhanced usability and updated content
The updated version reflects feedback from valued industry supporters and crew members after implementing practices highlighted in the first version of the guidelines onboard. Improved usability was an essential element of development, therefore this version has been restructured and reformatted while made more concise for easier comprehension.
Alongside the restructuring, visual aids in the form of infographics have been created for crew to utilise more interactive resources when following the guidelines. Further information outlining the latest environmental practices has also been included within the content.
Robert van Tol, executive director of the Water Revolution Foundation, says: “The overwhelmingly positive response to the first version of the guidelines demonstrated the yachting industry’s commitment to sustainability. With Version 2, we’re providing crews with even more tools and knowledge to make a real difference in their daily operations.”
Collaboration at the core
In light of this new launch, the team behind the guidelines emphasise that, like in the first version, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to making positive change. These guidelines are not a prescriptive way of doing things onboard but a free, open-to-all resource to help provide direction and drive momentum to make positive changes. Feedback is once again continually welcomed; this iterative approach ensures the resource remains relevant, practical and effective in driving sustainable practices.
The element of collaboration continues to be a strong driving force, with many industry professionals eager to be involved. Water Revolution Foundation has embraced this through its integration with the Seastainable Yachting platform and community, which is a non-profit, purpose-driven platform to help guide the industry toward more environmentally-friendly operational practices. The Seastainable Yachting platform will facilitate all information and resources associated with these guidelines, establishing a central hub for crew and industry professionals looking to collaborate.
Continued support
The guidelines, initiated by MB92, continue to be supported by industry leaders, including Amico & Co., S/Y Black Pearl, Burgess, Da Gama Maritime, Damen Yachting, Divergent Yachting, Feadship, Fraser, Heesen Yachts, Lürssen Yachts, Northrop & Johnson, Oceanco, Pantaenius, Safe Harbor Marinas, Sanlorenzo, Monaco Yacht Show, M/Y Savannah, Superyacht Services Guide, The Crew Network, The OM, Virtual Pursers, Y.CO and YPI Crew, all underscoring the industry’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Download today
Version 2 of the Environmental Crew Guidelines is now available for free download, reflecting the initiative’s collaborative spirit. Yacht crews, management companies, and industry professionals are encouraged to implement these guidelines and contribute to the ongoing development of environmental operational practices in yachting.
If you have further questions, want to share feedback or actively contribute to the ongoing development of the guidelines, get in touch with us at ecocrew@waterrevolutionfoundation.org.
Access the guidelines.
by Water Revolution Foundation | 7 Feb 2024 | Press Releases
Version 1 of the Environmental Crew Guidelines has officially been launched, marking a pivotal moment in steering the yachting fleet toward more sustainable practices. This comprehensive guide, highlighting best practices written for-and-by crew, offers information and inspiration for eco-friendlier behaviour onboard yachts.
As a collaborative effort between Water Revolution Foundation, initiator MB92, and creator Danella Hopkins (formerly of S/Y Black Pearl), this free and open-source tool offers 24 distinct sections providing crews with a detailed, holistic overview of how to adopt more conscious practices into their daily routines. Contributions from industry experts and crew members alike have ensured that a diverse range of perspectives and experiences are included. As a first version, the aim is to collect feedback and additional best practices from crew to expand on the content and launch a Version 2 in the future.
Powered by industry leaders
To ensure the widespread adoption of these guidelines and enable a united, coordinated action, industry trailblazers MB92, Burgess, Damen Yachting, Divergent Yachting, Feadship, Fraser Yachts, Heesen Yachts, Lürssen, Oceanco, Safe Harbor Marinas, Sanlorenzo, The Crew Network, The OM, Virtual Pursers, Y.CO, and YPI Crew have pledged their commitment as official supporting companies. S/Y Black Pearl and MY Savannah have also come onboard as ambassadors within the fleet. The dedication of these organisations distinguishes them as true change agents, guiding the way forward for a more eco-friendly yachting sector.
”These clear guidelines are applicable to every size and type of yacht operation and by sharing them with our crews as part of our fleetwide sustainability efforts, we hope to provide a strong foundation for better onboard environmental practices and show that any yacht, regardless of its size or build, can make a big difference in little ways,” shares yacht management company Y.CO.
Addressing yachting’s environmental impact
While many technical and digital solutions have already been introduced to drive the superyacht industry’s energy transition, these developments address only one facet of the challenge. A transition in onboard practices is also crucial: “There are immediate actions that crew can take on board to introduce more environmentally-friendly practices, which can significantly reduce emissions (by up to 30%), whether by optimising temperature settings, making slight adjustments to cruising speeds or employing effective resource management,” says MB92.
Therefore, this initiative will provide crew with an extensive knowledge base and practical tools in order to foster a concrete shift toward sustainable superyacht operations.
Inside the guidelines
Organised under three overarching themes – ‘Onboarding Guidelines,’ ‘General Guidelines,’ and ‘Departmental Guidelines’ – this document caters to crew at every level. The onboarding guidelines emphasise ways in which crew can cultivate an environmental mindset and commit to improved operational practices. Fundamental principles and standards applicable to all crew members in their daily tasks are outlined in the general guidelines, while the departmental guidelines delve deeper, addressing the unique needs and individual responsibilities of each department. “We understand that environmental sustainability can be challenging to accomplish onboard and there is no one-size-fits-all approach,” states Executive Director of Water Revolution Foundation, Robert van Tol. “By working together with crew, we hope to inspire and facilitate this powerful group to minimise their yacht’s daily footprint where possible.”
To ensure proper enforcement onboard, the guidelines introduce the nomination of an “Eco-Sustainability Ambassador” (ESA). This dedicated crew member will collaborate with Heads of Departments (HODs) to streamline processes and drive the implementation of initiatives by supporting crew, monitoring progress, and reporting achievements.
“Our industry can collectively create lasting change in its outlook and operations by working together, and these guidelines will help yacht crews and shoreside management teams reduce their environmental impact through improved efficiency and better practices,” states Burgess. “When passionate individuals are given the chance to do the work they believe in, good things can happen, and in this way, we are committed to building a more environmentally aware and responsible industry.”
Download now
In the spirit of collaboration and unity, we invite you to join the movement aimed at achieving a substantial accumulated reduction in the environmental impact of the 5,500 30m+ fleet through behavioural shifts and the sharing of best practices. To maximise positive impact among crews and vessels across the globe, you are encouraged to read, implement, and distribute the Environmental Crew Guidelines.
The continued support of companies in the yachting industry is essential to foster industry-wide adoption of the guidelines and establish a minimum standard. Those who come onboard will gain recognition, obtain individual chapters upon request, receive a Supporter Stamp to signify commitment, and have the opportunity to share feedback and additional best practices, actively contributing to the ongoing development of the document. Get in touch with us at ecocrew@waterrevolutionfoundation.org to express your interest.
Access the guidelines.
by Water Revolution Foundation | 22 Sep 2023 | Press Releases
A comprehensive package of crew best practices is being previewed at the Monaco Yacht Show to garner support from yacht management companies leading up to the anticipated launch of the guidelines in October.
Initiated together with MB92 Group and created by Danella Hopkins (formerly of S/Y Black Pearl), this package has been developed to enhance environmental sustainability onboard yachts and encourage crews to adopt more eco-friendly practices into their daily routines. Many industry experts and yacht crew members have contributed to address the unique challenges faced onboard in each department, ensuring a holistic overview. The guidelines will be offered as a free and open-source tool to support Water Revolution Foundation’s mission of fostering a more sustainable yachting community.
Reducing emissions onboard
Crews play a crucial role in maintaining the eco-friendly practices that reduce the environmental footprint of superyachts. “The work on the energy transition of superyachts has started. This transition will take time, with differentiated technical and technological solutions depending on the type of vessels and their usage profile. Nevertheless, there are immediate actions that crew can take on board to introduce more sustainable practices, which can significantly reduce emissions (by up to 30%), whether by optimising temperature settings, making slight adjustments to cruising speeds or employing effective resource management,” says MB92.
Overview of guidelines
The guidelines are composed of 24 sections, distinguished between ‘Onboarding Guidelines,’ ‘General Guidelines,’ and ‘Departmental Guidelines.’ While the onboarding guidelines mainly focus on instilling the crew with an environmental mindset and promoting a commitment to eco-friendly operations, the general guidelines outline the basic principles and standards that apply to all crew members in their day-to-day tasks. The departmental guidelines were created to address the specific needs and practices of each department, taking into account their individual responsibilities. “I know first-hand the challenges that can come with operating in a more sustainable manner, and I hope these guidelines will not only support crew to be more eco-responsible onboard, but also serve as a reminder that even small actions play a significant role in contributing to the bigger picture,” shares Danella, writer and curator of the guidelines.
Implementing the guidelines onboard
Enforcing the guidelines onboard requires a coordinated effort. While the captain and heads of departments play pivotal roles in supporting and encouraging sustainable actions throughout the crew, designating a dedicated crew member to drive the onboard sustainability initiatives is crucial to ensure their implementation. As such, the job description for an “Eco-Sustainability Ambassador” (ESA) has been included within the guidelines to support any crew members with overseeing key action points and championing sustainability practices on the yacht. Collaborating with Heads of Departments (HODs), the ESA customises guidelines, engages the crew, monitors progress, and reports achievements. This dedicated role will help to alleviate the HODs’ workload and streamline processes.
Support for crew members onboard has also emerged from other influential industry players. Luxury Hospitality Management (LH) supports this initiative and aims to help crew implement these guidelines. Peter Vogel, Founder of LH, says: “We wholeheartedly endorse this initiative and understand that instigating behavioural change and reshaping mindset onboard can be challenging. Drawing upon our coaching and training expertise, we are committed to contributing our resources to help facilitate an era where crew eco-consciousness is at the forefront across all departments.”
This initiative aims to cultivate a stronger environmental ethos within yacht crews and become an integral part of their collective identity.
Support needed from yacht management companies
“This project will equip crew with a comprehensive body of knowledge as well as readily accessible practical tools, representing an essential step towards a more sustainable and responsible future for superyacht operations,” shares MB92.
The support of yacht management companies is crucial to ensure widespread adoption of the guidelines and enable a united, coordinated action – setting a minimum standard across the industry. Companies who get involved will be positioned as a leader, contributing to sector-wide change and guiding the way forward for a sustainable yachting future.
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