Environmental sustainability
CYC ENVIRONMENTAL & SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
Chichester Yacht Club is committed to minimising the impact of its activities on the local and wider environment. The Club meets all environmental legislation and will strive to adopt best practice. Representatives attend meetings of the Chichester Harbour Federation Environmental Forum to share experience and advice. We focus on 6 themes:
Energy conservation. We minimise the use of electricity through the use of low energy lighting, automatic light sensors and turning off appliances when not in use. Power consumption by kitchen and other equipment is monitored. Output from our solar panels has significantly reduced energy demand, and surplus is sold back to the grid. Gas is used for cooking and hot water heating, but we will upgrade equipment to electric versions when appropriate.
Water conservation. Showers are equipped with cut-off timers. Dinghy sailors are encouraged to minimise water use for boat wash-off. Kitchen use will be monitored and minimised.
Pollution prevention & control. Single use plastics are avoided wherever possible; CYC has attained the Bronze Level award from the Final Straw Foundation, and is working towards Silver. Fuel use by patrol boats is minimised through low-speed operation whenever possible. Petrol engines will be replaced by electric motors when appropriate. No wastewater is discharged into the harbour. Yacht and motor boat owners will be advised to dispose of waste and antifouling safely, and the use and installation of holding tanks will be encouraged. Club members participate in litter picks along the local shoreline.
Waste management. Refuse, reduce, re-use, re-purpose, recycle. All waste is separated into recyclables and general waste. Recycling bins are provided in the Sloop and elsewhere. Food waste is separated and sent for composting by our waste management provider. Email is the primary means of communication, reducing printing/photocopying to essentials only, and low-quality paper is used where possible. Energy efficient hand-driers have been installed in toilets and changing rooms, replacing paper towels.
Wildlife & Habitat protection. We will include environmental information in training courses, and arrange speakers on relevant topics. We will set aside an area of the garden for wildflowers to encourage pollinators.
Sustainable catering. Where economical and practical to do so, we will source local and seasonal ingredients from environmentally responsible suppliers. We will use sustainable seafood and offer more plant-based options. We will strive to reduce food waste through careful planning and storage.
Links
https://www.conservancy.co.uk/
