Did you know that 80% of a yacht’s environmental impact is determined after just 20% of the design process is complete?
These sessions, created space for conversation, fresh perspectives, and actionable collaboration. From material innovation to communication protocols, these workshops took a step closer to building a shared pathway forward for sustainable design.
Workshop 1: Laying the Groundwork
In January 2025, workshop one brought together designers, project managers, and shipyard representatives for a full day of honest dialogue and collaboration. With design having such an impact early on in a yachts lifecycle, it was clear: the earlier we come together, the greater the opportunity to shape truly sustainable outcomes.
We explored:
🔹 How to future-proof design with better material choices and LCA perspectives
🔹 The need for shared responsibility in measuring and reducing environmental impact
🔹 Reimagining sustainable luxury, going “beyond teak”
🔹 Hands-on encounters with next-generation materials during an exclusive tour of F/LIST and its innovative F/LAB
Read the workshop one blog post.
Workshop 2: Building on Workshop One
This second workshop took place in June 2025 and built directly on the foundation of the first with discussions underscoring the urgent need for clearer project briefs, early alignment among partners, and stronger communication throughout the design and build process. Participants also called for systemic changes in material selection, the adoption of design-for-refit principles, and the creation of an industry-wide benchmark to define environmental ambition levels.
The key themes for workshop two were:
🔹 Shifting decision-making earlier to unlock innovation before budgets and specifications are locked
🔹 Lifecycle thinking and design-for-refit: modularity, disassembly, and long-term access must become standard
🔹 Creating a new, more compelling narrative for sustainable design
The result?
The workshops revealed a clear and collective ambition to reshape the superyacht industry through a unified approach to sustainable design. The conversations from the day revealed tangible next steps, including:
🔹 The development of a shared Owners Briefing Tool, to align all stakeholders on environmental goals
🔹 A Design-for-Refit Protocol, promoting long-term thinking through modular and lifecycle-friendly interior strategies
🔹 A Materials & Solutions Library, with verified data on environmental impact, regulatory fit, and lifecycle performance
🔹 An Interior Rating System, to benchmark total design impact, shifting focus to environmental integrity
Read our whitepaper to explore the insights and outcomes from our workshops.
Stay tuned for the next dates
This workshop was #2 of a 4-part series.
Are you interested to join the next one?
Reach out to our team info@waterrevolutionfoundation.org.