Transformation of yacht charter services with Green Sail and sustainable navigation

• 18.12.2023.
• News, Technology, Regulations

Change is difficult but inevitable. In nautical tourism, sustainable sailing is being discussed more often (and louder). But how do you start "being green", sailing in harmony with nature and the sea, leaving as little carbon footprint as possible and doing everything that entails sustainable sailing?

The idea of sustainable navigation is one that we are coming across more and more often and that is receiving more and more attention. This practice includes the use of environmentally friendly methods, as well as various technologies for the propulsion and vessel management.  
   
In sustainable navigation, we also include using renewable energy sources such as wind and sun, waste reduction and sustainable building materials.  
   
But after all these definitions, sustainable navigation is much more than all of the above; it is a way of life that encourages a deep connection with the sea and nature.  
   
Among us, some understand how important the topic of sustainability in navigation really is. They are not one of those who just talk about what should be done - they make a plan and act where it is most needed.  
   
One of those among us is Green Sail.  
   
Green Sail is not just another organization but a movement that aims to change everything around it. Starting with ourselves.  
   

Sustainable way - Green Sail way  

With all that Green Sail represents, they are one of the most passionate and active promoters of sustainability.  
   
Their focus is on preserving the sea, coast, and coastal communities, and they do this by creating strategic partnerships with key players in nautical tourism - leading yacht charter companies and marinas.  
   
Green Sail works systematically to raise awareness about the threats posed by marine pollution and how important a sustainable future is. They also offer comprehensive resources for educating companies and individuals to make informed, environmentally friendly choices.  
   
Their resources include education, mentoring opportunities, online courses, and a vessel rating system that measures the environmental impact - Vessel Environmental Footprint.  
   
What sets Green Sail apart is the active community of like-minded people who are the backbone of all initiatives. This community consists of a team of employees, volunteers and interns who promote the protection of the sea and coast and actively do so.  
   
Through their movement, they seek to fulfil their objective by engaging in direct action alongside vision and discourse for preserving the sea and shore.
   

Innovation of climate measures - Green Sail VEF system  

Green Sail introduces a pioneering Vessel Environmental Impact (VEF) measurement system, encouraging yacht charter companies to actively measure and minimize their environmental impact.  
   
An initiative of this kind is crucial for the nautical sector. This sector is the one that directly affects climate change, the reduction of biodiversity, pollution and acidification of the sea. Reducing our impact on the environment is essential.  
   
Therefore, improving your yacht charter company's VEF rating not only complies with current environmental regulations but also enhances your brand's reputation.  
   

Fly your "green flag" proudly with the help of VEF  

In partnership with yacht charter companies, Green Sail has developed the Vessel Environmental Footprint - VEF system.  
   
This system evaluates the emissions and sustainability of each ship, giving it a score from 1 to 5. A score of 1 indicates a vessel with a high environmental impact, while 5 indicates a ship actively reducing its environmental footprint.  
     
How does VEF work?  
As verified Green Sail partners, yacht charter companies can calculate the VEF for their vessels by filling out a detailed questionnaire. After that, Green Sail verifies the information and provides a summary of the ecological footprint of each individual vessel.  
   
The yacht charter company can use this summary to differentiate the ships in its fleet and promote sustainable practices on individual boats.  
   
How is the Vessel Environmental Footprint rating obtained?  
Green Sail measures four key areas:  

• Emissions on board  
• Electricity consumption  
• Water use  
• Amount of produced waste  

They also consider additional elements that can reduce the negative impact, such as renewable energy sources on the vessel and the separation of waste for recycling. Other operational factors, such as the vessel's age or the frequency of use, are also considered.  
   
After the calculation, each vessel can use the online Green Sail icon, which enables potential guests to make informed decisions about sustainable sailing.  

  

What else does Green Sail offer? Competitive advantage!  

A transparent, sustainable business will be seen by your former and future guests as something that sets you apart from the crowd.  
   
Using the VEF system offers many advantages for all yacht charter companies, including yours - and only a few of them are:  
   
Financial gain - investing in sustainability allows yacht charter companies to charge a higher price for their environmentally friendly services and/or products. At the same time, the use of renewable energy and recycling on vessels leads to a significant reduction in operating costs.  
   
Competitiveness - although any environmental initiatives are currently voluntary - one thing is sure: they will be mandatory in the future. Adopting such initiatives and following environmental regulations already achieves a time and competitive advantage.  
   
Improved brand reputation - sustainability labels build trust and credibility among environmentally conscious consumers - and there are more of them every day.  
   
Carbon footprint awareness - VEF assessments allow yacht charter companies to look at all options for reducing, eliminating or offsetting greenhouse gases. If you think it's time for action and change, know that by making yourself and all your employees aware, your impact on the carbon footprint can have an exponential effect.  
   
Positive company culture - employees are often more motivated to work in companies with strong values. Their satisfaction also lies in knowing that the company they work for invests in a sustainable future and ecology.  
   

Why should you partner with Green Sail?  

By joining the Green Sail community, you will support an environmental organization and directly influence issues that matter globally.  
   
As we all know, the Adriatic Sea is one of the cleanest in the world, and we want to keep it that way.  
   
If Green Sail and the VEF system seem interesting to you and you plan to do more research or even become their partner - know that today, guests are increasingly looking for and appreciating environmentally conscious yacht charters businesses.  
   
Green Sail can help you change how you behave and do business if this is your first time doing it. You can learn everything about environmental protection through their mentoring and educational programs.  
   
If you are a yacht charter company and want to join the sustainable movement, Green Sail will teach you through education everything you, your employees, and your guests need to know to keep the sea and coastal areas clean.  
   

Environmentally friendly practices and sustainability - the most important things  

It is not easy to change your way of working and doing business. Likewise, you should be able to point out with pride the fact that you have become part of the change and how you support sustainability in nautical tourism. And the adoption of the VEF system is one of the vital first steps towards sustainability.  
   
If you want to change something but need help knowing where to start, you yourself and your company are a great place to start.  
   
Green Sail offers you a unique opportunity for active involvement in environmental protection. So, if you are in the tourism or nautical sector and want to "be green", - Green Sail will undoubtedly want to take you under its wing.  
   
Be a part of this inspiring journey.  
   
Don't just stand on the shore and watch; embrace sustainability and make a difference.

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