Strength in numbers – building effective alliances to advance sustainability.

The importance of sustainability cannot be overstated, but neither can its challenges. The boating industry has a significant role to play in promoting and implementing sustainable practices. This article draws on the experience of European Boating Industry (EBI), as the association representing the industry at European level. We explore the concept of building effective alliances in the boating industry and the power they hold in advancing sustainability.

Overall, there is a welcome new approach developing, which moves away from silos and towards collaboration. While the boating industry considers itself (and this author agrees) as a sizeable sector of relevance to the EU, many regions, and communities, it requires allies. The boating industry itself is diverse, including boat manufacturers, marinas, suppliers, and boaters. Each sector contributes to the overall impact on the environment, making it essential to unite these stakeholders under a common goal of sustainability. By forming and supporting industry associations, the industry can pool resources, expertise, and influence to drive positive change. Alliances with other stakeholders develop best from this starting point.

At EBI, we currently have alliances, informal or formal, going on in areas as diverse tackling trade tariffs and the recycling of end-of-life composites. The latter offers a clear example. Recreational boating has an issue in dismantling of end-of-life composites. However, we use only 2-3% of composite in Europe that gives limited opportunities for a separate recycling pathway. However, if we pool composite waste this becomes much more viable at commercial scale. We published a Roadmap on End-of-life boats, together with the EU Commission, that has been the result of exactly this type of collaboration.

From this and other experiences, it can be shown that the building of effective alliances comes down to four major areas, which ring as true for EBI’s work at European level as it does at local or regional level.

Sharing Knowledge and Best Practices

Effective alliances provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge and best practices among industry players. It allows identifying sustainable solutions and implementing them more efficiently. For instance, manufacturers can learn from each other's successes and challenges in adopting eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes if we look beyond our own companies and sector. Marinas can share innovative solutions for waste management and energy efficiency.

Amplifying Influence

Forming alliances, means gaining a collective voice, amplifying influence on policymakers, regulatory bodies, and the public. EBI works in collaboration with other organisations from the tourism sector, to advocate for policies that promote sustainability in the tourism sector. By presenting a united front, alliances can raise awareness and encourage policymakers to implement sustainable practices across the industry.

Driving Innovation and Research

Alliances provide a valuable basis for fostering innovation and driving research in sustainable technologies and practices. Stakeholders can pool resources and invest in projects focused on reducing environmental impact. This collaboration enables the industry to develop new technologies, such as alternative propulsion systems, cleaner fuels, and recycling solutions. By embracing innovation collectively, alliances can push the boundaries of sustainability in the boating industry.

Establishing Standards and Certifications

Effective alliances can play a pivotal role in establishing industry-wide standards and certifications for sustainability. By setting clear guidelines and benchmarks, stakeholders can ensure consistency and accountability. These standards can cover areas such as carbon footprint reduction, Life Cycle Assessment and certification of marinas, helping promote trust and transparency within the industry and allowing consumers to make informed choices. The same is the case for qualifications that can help raise the level of professionalism when it comes to sustainability.

Through shared knowledge, amplified influence, and collective action, we can navigate towards a more sustainable and responsible future for boating.

More information:

European Boating Industry: https://www.europeanboatingindustry.eu/