We all know the three columns of sustainability: Environment, Economy and Social. Still the term sustainability is very often reduced to being “green”. That, of course, is a precondition for a long-lasting and resource-conserving way of doing business. “But what is the point of a marina doing all they can to become environmentally friendly, when that in turn makes it unattractive to visitors or costs more money than they have?”, asks Falk Morgenstern, Certification Manager at Blue Star Marina. “Sustainability in our view only makes sense when it takes all aspects of an organisation into consideration. Therefore, undergoing a certification in Blue Star Marina’s Quality Scheme means taking a wider approach to sustainability. In this way, the marina can maintain its level of ‘green-ness’ for years to come, because it generates sufficient profits, attracts both permanent and non-permanent visitors and has good relations to stakeholders around the harbour”, adds Morgenstern.

The Blue Star Marina Certification certainly champions environmental friendliness – and that's incredibly important! – but it also dives into a much wider range of what makes a marina truly sustainable. Wastewater treatment, separation of waste or a dedicated area for hull cleaning with an appropriate means of wastewater treatment are mandatory, just to name a few. Beyond environmental aspects, the Blue Star Marina Certification also encompasses the vital monitoring of energy and freshwater consumption, along with regular checks for changes in relevant laws and regulations that could impact smooth business development.  By doing so, Blue Star Marina helps further the understanding of marina staff in terms of sustainability.

A certification under the Blue Star Marina Quality Scheme therefore offers a profound view on sustainability which includes additional benefits for the organisation as well; by taking economic and social aspects into account as well, the stakeholders of a marina get more out of a certification than just the focus on the environment. And that in turn makes the marina more attractive for visitors, owners and neighbors alike, while being less harmful to the environment.

For more information, visit www.bluestarmarina.org