Environment
The RYA has recently published (in March 2008) its Planning and Environmental Handbook for affiliated clubs and training centres.
This covers all the various planning and environmental aspects a club might need to know when developing their facilities and operating them. It not only cover the legal compliance aspects of running a club but also suggests some good practice that could end up saving the club money. The Handbook also has a check list for a self-audit so the clubs can easily identify where they are doing well and where more attention is needed. The RYA and BMF environmental programme The Green Blue also has good practice advice, case studies from existing clubs and also fact sheets and a wealth of posters, CDROMs and resources for clubs. More help is available from the RYA email environment@rya.org.uk or The Green Blue
To download the RYA Planning and Environmental Handbook go to: http://www.rya.org.uk/infoadvice/clubsclass/Premises/Pages/PE_Handbook.aspx
The Volvo Eco Challenge
The Volvo Eco Challenge is a great opportunity for your Volvo RYA Champion Club to get actively involved in an environmental project. The boundaries are practically endless; whether the project is focused upon the protection of the local wildlife, conservation of energy, recycling and waste disposal or water conservation. Alternatively you could concentrate on resource management, or educating your club members of all age groups on how to become more environmentally friendly. As long as there is an environmental link to your project it will be eligible for a chance to be awarded a cash grant towards implementation. It does not have to be academic; it can be fun and creative but must be a practical way to help reduce the environmental impact of your sailing club. If you would like to find out more about the Volvo Eco Challenge please read on and I hope we can look forward to receiving a project from your club.
Chris Packham
Television presenter, wildlife photographer, author and Volvo Eco Challenge Ambassador
About the Volvo Eco Challenge
Sailing is seen as an environmentally friendly sport, but research has proven that sailing clubs are struggling to comply with current environmental legislation. Volvo Car UK, supported by The Green Blue team has created the Volvo Eco Challenge, a new scheme for young environmentalists with grants available exclusively for Volvo RYA Champion Clubs to become more Eco friendly.
Sailing clubs are classified as commercial waste producers and have a duty of care with regards to waste under current environmental legislation and penalties apply for non-compliance. The scheme will provide grants of between 100 - 1000 to Champion Clubs for a project carried out by young people aged between 10-16 who undertake an environmental initiative at their club.
There are less than 150 Volvo RYA Champion Clubs across the UK so with advice and guidance from The RYA and The Green Blue, your club could truly benefit.
There are five main categories your project must focus on to be eligible for a grant; Water, Energy Saving & Resource Efficiency, Waste & Recycling, Wildlife & Biodiversity or a Green Event.
What kind of projects can be entered?
Water
A project that looks at the water from an environmental perspective, e.g. marine life, the water quality of the sailing area at your club, oil spills, oil recycling from safety boats, oil and fuel storage and land run off.
Energy Saving & Resource Efficiency
A project that tackles the use of energy and water use at your club in your inside and/or outside space. Look at ways of reducing water waste from hoses, showers and taps. Install a water fountain with club branded water bottles to reduce plastic waste or fit hose flow taps. Consider where electricity use can be reduced.
Waste & Recycling
A project that focuses on the effective use of your resources, tackles recycling and waste at your club. Look at ways of disposing of disused equipment and reducing the amount of waste your club produces.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Projects which contribute to the conservation of the local habitat and its associated flora & fauna, studying the impact that your club has on the environment around you and looking at ways of improving and reducing that impact.
Greening an Event
A project that focuses on events that you run at your club. Greening an event can focus on many areas; recycling, using rainwater to wash down boats, adding oil spill kits on all visitors boats and using locally sourced refreshments. Ensure that visitors are aware of the environmental policy that your club enforces and they know what they need to do to comply.
As you can only use a limited number of words to tell us about your project (defined on the application form), two supporting documents, 12 images and a 2 minute video can be included with your application.
Once the application form is completed send it with any other supporting material to: Volvo Eco Challenge, Into the Blue, One the Parade, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7QJ.
The deadline for all entries is 1st September 2009. All applicants will receive a letter in October 2009 to notify them of the result of their application.
Click on the link on the right hand side - Elsewhere on the Web - to go to the Volvo Eco Challenge Website.
For the latest environmental news, information, and advice please visit: environment and www.thegreenblue.org.uk