Green issues top the agenda at July Marenet event
Premier Marina at Swanwick played host to the second Marenet event in July, an event which proved to be extremely popular, with delegates attending to hear about the latest news on the topical issue of the environment.
The event started with a delegate tour of the proposed site for the redevelopment of the Swanwick marina, which was then followed by a presentation from the lead architect of the scheme, Iain Lamay. He talked about the green credentials of the project, which will include ground-source heating and extensive use of solar power. The site will also be built taking into account the potential for sea levels to be a metre higher than they are currently. He also spoke about the opportunities for marine companies within the development, including a commercial service area for yachts, opportunities for marine service companies and a large retail area. The scheme will be going to planning in the autumn.
The second presentation was from David Newman of Stirling Consultants, who talked about ways to reduce waste disposal costs in marinas, ports and harbours and how businesses can increase recycling capabilities. Stirling has recently been working with the Port of Dover, Premier Marinas and harbour authorities on the issues of waste and recycling.
Sarah Black from the BMF/RYA led GreenBlue initiative was the next speaker looking at how marine businesses can engage with the initiative. GreenBlue will be appearing at this year's Southampton Boat Show and Marenet is hoping to invite Sarah back to talk in more detail about what GreenBlue is undertaking at a future Marenet event.
Geoff Hill spoke from Grant Thornton on environmental tax credits and how marine companies can benefit from these. He gave examples of schemes that can lead to tax credits, such as businesses using low carbon emission cars and new efficient plant machinery that may attract favourable financial rewards. The final talk was from Matt Cooper from the Carbon Trust who appeared to talk about the marine energy accelerator programme.
Details of all these presentations and how you can find out more are available on the website, just click on www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/docs/papers and click on 24th July Marenet presentations.
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