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We can no longer escape the mounting evidence of global warming and its associated effects such as sea level rise and extreme weather conditions. Many areas across the country have also experienced droughts and water shortages in recent years forcing us rethink our attitudes and behaviour towards resource consumption. The good news is there actions everyone can do to help reduce their resource use which increasingly makes economic as well as environmental sense. Read our 'Did you know' facts about resource use....
Some simple ideas are given below to get you started thinking in a more efficient way.
A badly maintained engine is likely to consume more fuel and expel more emissions than a well maintained one. To ensure the reliability and efficiency of your engine it is important that it is regularly serviced and that it is not neglected when stored or laid up over the winter period. Fouled spark plugs or injectors, out of adjustment carburettors and improper timing will all cost you extra fuel, as well as performance.
Learning to trim your engine properly and regular cleaning of your hull keeps your engine running at maximum efficiency.
»Winterisation and service of outboard engines
»Laying up your inboard engine
»Find out what RYA course will help you fine tune your skills to run your boat efficiently
When buying a new craft or new products for your craft think about what emissions they may expel and ability to be recycled or reused at the end of its life. It is possible to request the environmental policies of boating businesses and manufacturers prior to making purchasing decisions.
The number of products on the market which provide solutions to issues of sustainable development of the marine sector are increasing all the time and now have their own Green Directory.
»Look for products which subscribe to Defra’s Green Claims Code
Wind, solar and photovoltaic technology has undergone immense technological improvements in recent years and offers a variety of options suitable for use in UK waters. Before installing a new system it is important to assess your power needs and also assess your power generation options to ensure you choose the right system for the job. It is also worth thinking of any ways power consumption can be reduced before installing anything new on board.
»Download a guide to wind energy
»Download a guide to photovoltaic systems
A hose pipe can use 540 litres of water an hour when left running which is more than 3 times the amount an average person uses per day. Reduce the amount of water used when washing your boat by using salt water when suitable to scrub down and then rinsing with fresh water. If you must use freshwater to scrub the boat make sure you have all the cleaning products you may need close to hand before turning on the tap.
Trigger guns on the end of hoses allows more control over the amount of water used but can pose problems when filling water tanks. Instead try fitting a stop tap towards the end of the hose allowing enough to fit into a tank easily.
»Thames Water has a number of other tips on saving water
Next time you change outboards choose a 4-stroke, they are generally quieter, smoother running, lower maintenance and lower polluters than even direct injected 2-strokes.
The 4-stroke engine produces lower emissions than a 2-stroke for a number of reasons. They don't burn oil, and they have far better control of the air and fuel flow than a 2-stroke. However, if you do opt for a 2-stroke the new direct injected outboards provide precise control of fuel and oil consumption, reducing emissions by up to 80% over conventional 2-strokes.
»Download even more tips to make your power boating fuel efficient
Using energy more efficiently is one of the most cost-effective means of reducing emissions of Carbon Dioxide and also helps to conserve finite reserves of fossil fuels. Every £80 of electricity (at 6.75p/kWh), or £77 of gas (at 1.512p/KWh), or £54 of heating oil (at 14p/litre), or £40 of solid fuel (at £115/tonne), each produces 1 tonne of CO2!
A one-hour ride on a boat with a 10-horsepower traditional two-stroke engine emits the same amount of hydrocarbon pollution as driving a modern automobile 25,000 miles (KIMO)
By buying an energy efficient lightbulb rather than the other alternatives you can cut energy wastage by over 75 per cent. That's around £10 a year on the average energy bill or £68 over the bulb's lifetime. Using LED clustr lights onboard is 12 times more efficient and can last as long as standard bulbs.
Fossil fuels are depleted at a rate that is 100,000 times faster than they are formed (Solar Energy International). A decrease of only 1% in industrial energy use would save the equivalent of about 55 million barrels of oil per year, worth about $1 billion.
Just by using the "off the shelf" energy-efficient technologies available today, we could cut the cost of heating, cooling, and lighting our homes and workplaces by up to 80%. (U.S. Department of Energy and Maryland Energy Administration)
Download our advice sheet for businesses giving details of grants and services to help identify areas in which your business can reduce resource use
Refer to the Environmental Code of Practice for no cost, low cost an high cost measures to reduce resource and water consumption in your marine business or organisation
If you are a boat owner our How To... guides give more simple steps you can take. Request your free copy by emailing info@thegreenblue.org.uk Please state if you would prefer the coastal or inland version
