Evaluating impact with Environment & Human Health Indicators

Evaluating impact with Environment & Human Health Indicators

We continue our series on guiding you through Environmental Indicators relevant to a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, this time diving into factors with a direct effect on the environment & human health (find part one of our series here: Climate Change indicators).

These indicators help assess the impact from three different aspects: the reaction of sunlight with emissions from fossil fuel combustion, the retreat of oxygen in freshwater systems and the consequential suffocation of its fauna and flora, and the reduction in the pH of the ocean. Let’s take a closer look:

Photochemical Oxidation Potential (POP)

On Earth, pollution mixed with heat and sunlight creates a concentration of Ozone (O3 gaz) in the atmosphere (stratosphere + troposphere). This gaseous element, when released in the stratosphere, acts like sunscreen for all living organisms, shielding the Earth’s surface from most of the sun’s UV light (unless it creates depletion in the atmospheric layer, see here for Ozone Depletion Potential). 

However, when this concentration remains at ground level in the troposphere, it affects the air that we breathe as humans and therefore starts becoming a health hazard. When inhaled, ozone reacts chemically with many biological molecules in the respiratory tract, leading to a number of adverse health effects.

We call this secondary air pollution Photochemical oxidation, also known as Summer Smog. Chemically speaking, photo-oxidant formation is a photochemical creation of reactive substances: it is formed in the atmosphere by nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight, often the consequence of emissions from fossil fuel combustion. POP calculates the destructive effects of ozone in the troposphere over a time horizon of 100 years.

Eutrophication Potential (EP)

Eutrophication calculates the destructive effects of ammonia, nitrates, nitrogen oxides and phosphorus (emitted in air and waters) on freshwater systems. In inland waters, it is one of the major factors that determine the ecological quality of an aquatic environment.

This process of pollution occurs when a lake or stream becomes over-rich in plant nutrient – as a consequence, phytoplankton increases, and the water becomes overgrown in algae and other aquatic plants. The plants die and decompose, robbing the water of oxygen so that ultimately the lake, river, or stream becomes lifeless.

While eutrophication occurs naturally in freshwater systems, man-made eutrophication occurs over millions of years and is caused by organic pollutants from man’s activities, like effluents from industries and homes.

Acidification Potential (AP)

Acidification is an environmental problem caused by acidified rivers/streams and soil due to anthropogenic air pollutants such as ammonia, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide. When acids are emitted, the pH factor falls and acidity increases, which for example can involve the widespread decline of coniferous forests and dead fishes in lakes in Scandinavia.

In the ocean, we define acidification as a reduction of the pH over an extended period of time, and it is caused primarily by an uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere: the ocean absorbs the extra amount of CO2 emitted in our atmosphere. We are already observing this change in the deep ocean, especially at high latitudes.

It affects marine organisms, with a consequence on the ecosystems they belong to in and above water: disrupting the food chain (increase of the mobilisation and the leaching behaviour of heavy metals in soil), altered prey availability (for example, krill for whales), impact on habitats (lower pH destroys coral reefs), but also the amplification of noise pollution by a modification of the underwater acoustics.

As an indicator, Acidification Potential calculates the impact of the potential change in acidity in the soil due to the atmospheric deposition of sulfates, nitrates, phosphates, and other compounds.

Learn more

Get in touch with us at info@waterrevolutionfoundation.org to find out more about the scientific methodology used within our programmes and how you can get involved.

Discover the other indicators here: Part 1, Part 3, Part 4.

Meet us at The Superyacht Forum & METSTRADE 2023

Meet us at The Superyacht Forum & METSTRADE 2023

The Superyacht Forum & METSTRADE 2023 are right around the corner, and we are so excited to unveil our compelling programme for these events as strategic partners for another year.

Water Revolution is set to play a pivotal role during The Superyacht Forum’s ‘Ocean’ Day on Wednesday, 15 November. From 11:30 – 13:00, we will be leading the workshop YETI – Lifecycle Impact & Refit to explore how refit activities and modifications can affect a yacht’s score for the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI). This engaging session will feature insights from our Sustainable Design Specialist, Hanna Dąbrowska, along with contributions from Kristina Hebert of Ward’s Marine Electric, Derek Munro from Divergent Yachting, and Stefan Coronel of Royal Huisman Shipyard.

Following this, our Executive Director Robert van Tol will be participating in the Keynote Debate – Ocean Focused Sustainability from 16:30 – 18:30, presenting our initiatives and ambitions related to ocean advocacy, impact improvement, and delivering ESG frameworks. He will be joined on stage by Nigel Marrison of Blue ESG, Kelvin Murray of EYOS Expeditions, and Natalie Quevert of Sea Index to highlight our collective pursuit of a sustainable yachting industry.

Take a walk down the Superyacht Sustainability Route

Exhibitors who have passed a third-party Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with a verified entry in our Database of Solutions will be featured and given exposure to purchasers attending METSTRADE on the second edition of the Superyacht Sustainability Route. This year’s route will feature Explore E8 & E9 by OceanLED, Hempaguard X7 by Hempel, Hull Vane by Hull Vane B.V., RecondOil by SKF, and Magellan 630 Extra & Giraglia 633 Extra by Boero.  

You can find a member of our team at our service desk in the Elicium building from 10:00 – 12:00 & 15:00 – 17:00 each day throughout the METSTRADE show (15-17 November)!

Celebrating 5 years of the Revolution

Our valued partners will gather on Thursday, 16 November in celebration of Water Revolution’s 5th anniversary to commemorate the remarkable milestones achieved thus far and establish new relationships among committed partners. To join such events and engage in our exciting programmes, we invite you to consider becoming a partner. 

Discussing how to provide & request proof of environmental solutions

Discover the inner-workings of our comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the rewards it can bring to your company by joining our Programme Director, Alexey Shifman, for a presentation at the METSTRADE Theatre on Friday, 17 November from 13:30 – 14:00.

We are eager to meet you next month at The Superyacht Forum and/or METSTRADE! Please don’t hesitate to reach out for any questions or comments.

Meet the Board: Henk de Vries

Meet the Board: Henk de Vries

Introducing Henk de Vries, chairman of the Revolution!

Henk began his career with Feadship in 1987 as a fourth generation De Vries family member, joining brother Joost and cousin Tom. He is now CEO of Koninklijke de Vries Scheepsbouw together with four cousins, and co-CEO of Feadship with Jan-Bart Verkuyl of Royal Van Lent.

In the early 2010s, Feadship presented several eco-friendly yacht concepts and researched more sustainable production, completing their first hybrid boat in 2015. With a strong commitment to address and reverse the ocean’s deterioration, Henk expressed the company’s vision: “The relatively modest footprint of superyachts could be a good stepping stone for a totally clean industry, a guiding light for the whole shipping sector. Also, I felt that building non-polluting pleasure boats would provide a competitive advantage as well!”

Henk’s journey with Water Revolution began during a brainstorm in summer 2018, after Dr. Vienna Eleuteri formulated the initiative to incorporate sustainability in the superyacht microcosmos. “Our goal was to inspire the industry, get strong commitment from key players and create industry standards,” he shared. “Late 2019 in a keynote speech at Mets, I called for zero emissions by 2030 in our superyacht domain, at the time that IMO was still considering 50% less by shipping in 2050.. Revolutionary indeed! We are now on track for a clean 2030 and look forward to working with you towards this goal.”

Hear more about Henk’s vision for Water Revolution here.

Where to find us at Monaco Yacht Show 2023

Where to find us at Monaco Yacht Show 2023

With the 2023 edition of Monaco Yacht Show less than one week away, we are thrilled to be collaborating as strategic partners for the second year in a row. Our joint mission to support the development of environmental initiatives in the yachting sector remains steadfast, reflected through the many exciting programmes we will be showcasing during the event.

A handpicked lineup of exhibitors with sustainable solutions that have passed our rigorous vetting process will be highlighted at the Sustainability Hub. Keep an eye out for solutions with our verification stamp – this signifies that they have undergone a stringent third-party Life Cycle Assessment conducted by an independent research institute to prove their superior performance and reduction of environmental impact compared to the business as usual.

You can find a member of our team there from 27 -30 September, 10:00 – 12:00 & 15:00 – 17:00 each day throughout the show.

Environmental Sustainability in Yachting Conference

For the second year, a press conference will be taking place to share the industry’s commitment to research and develop sustainable solutions in yachting. Alongside Gaëlle Tallarida, Derek Munro and Massimo Perotti, our Executive Director Robert van Tol will be sharing facts to highlight the carbon footprint of yachting in comparison to other industries and sustainable approaches in yachting.

The conference will occur on Wednesday, 27 September, 10:00 – 12:30, Conference Room (Virage Louis Chiron).

Launch of the Designers’ Protocol

The protocol, developed by Dickie Bannenberg of Bannenberg & Rowell Design together with our Sustainable Yacht Design Taskforce, will offer a standardized document guiding sustainability principles for every new project. A roundtable discussion will take place together with Francesca Webster, Espen Oeino, Phillippe Briand, and our Executive Director Robert van Tol. 

Don’t miss out on the launch, taking place on Thursday, 28 September, 15:00 – 15:30, Conference Room (Virage Louis Chiron).

Sustainable Yachting Future: The role of Water Revolution

An in-depth update of our activities and developments will be shared to wrap up all initiatives announced throughout the week. Among these is the Environmental Crew Guidelines, initiated by MB92 to foster awareness across all onboard departments within day-to-day operations. During the show, we will be liaising with yacht management companies and crew in order to gain support and commitment leading up to the launch of the guidelines next month.

Join us for the presentation on Thursday, 28 September, 17:00 – 17:30, Conference Room (Virage Louis Chiron). 

We look forward to seeing you at the show next week. Do not hesitate to reach out for any questions or comments. 

Assessing environmental impact with Climate Change indicators

Assessing environmental impact with Climate Change indicators

Within the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, 10 environmental indicators are used to evaluate the impact of superyachts, beginning with those related to climate change. 

These indicators measure the effect on the climate, specifically the Greenhouse effect, from two different perspectives: one considers the emission of greenhouse gases such as methane, CO2, and nitrous oxide, while the other examines chemical compounds relevant for Ozone layer depletion.

Global Warming Potential
The Earth receives energy from the sun through solar radiation, with about half of this energy being absorbed by the earth’s surface. The other half is reflected back into the atmosphere as infrared radiation or heat. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) trap this radiation in the atmosphere, thereby heating the Earth. Consequently, the more GHGs that are present in the atmosphere, the warmer the Earth’s temperature becomes. This process is known as the greenhouse effect.

In order to make meaningful comparisons between GHGs, scientists have adopted CO2 as the benchmark for measuring their heat-trapping abilities. CO2 is a clear, odourless gas produced during carbon combustion and in the respiration of living organisms. The heat-trapping potential of a gas, measured against CO2 over a fixed period, is known as Global Warming Potential (GWP). CO2 is used as a benchmark to measure the GWP of substances, which is expressed in kg of CO2eq. 

Ultimately, GWP evaluates the potential impact of different gaseous emissions on climate change by calculating the radiative force over a 100-year time horizon. 

Ozone Depletion Potential
In the stratosphere, an ozone-rich layer called the Ozone layer exists. The formation of the ozone hole is directly linked to the stratosphere’s temperature. Once temperatures drop below -78°C, polar stratospheric clouds tend to form, exacerbating ozone depletion over both of the Earth’s hemispheres. 

The Ozone layer acts like sunscreen for all living organisms, shielding the Earth’s surface from most of the sun’s UV light. Its depletion could cause serious damage for humans, animals, plants and materials. Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) calculates these destructive effectives over a time horizon of 100 years. 

Learn more
Get in touch with us at info@waterrevolutionfoundation.org to find out more about the scientific methodology used within our programmes and how you can get involved.

Discover the remaining indicators here: Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.