The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), has won an acclaimed Environmental Award from Britain’s best-selling yachting magazine. The Practical Boat Owner Green Awards announced the WPNSA as winner of the ‘Marine Service and Support’ award. The PBO Awards recognise marine businesses that have taken steps to reduce the environmental impact of leisure boating and make the industry more sustainable.
Described by Natural England as ‘an example of best practice’ the Sailing Academy takes sustainability issues seriously. The award winning building has the largest photovoltaic array for the generation of solar energy yet installed in South Dorset. Working with SSE Energy, the extended photovoltaic installation now generates 20% of the electricity requirement.
‘Power Perfector’ technology is fitted, reducing power consumption by a further 10%. The green Power Perfector technology was introduced to the UK market in 2001, the unit works by improving grid supplied power quality and adjusting voltage to optimum levels for equipment on site so it works more efficiently and wastes less energy. There is also the recovery of ‘grey water’ from the roof which is used for boat washing in substitution for mains water and an active recycling programme in place recently extended to recycling old sails and batteries.
Already accredited under BS 8901 in September 2010 – the first sailing venue to achieve this standard – and awarded the Sport Industry Award Winner in 2008 for ‘Environmental Concern in Sport’, this new award highlights their continued and passionate drive to protect the environment and stimulate a greater understanding of protecting our seas and oceans.
Sarah Norbury, Editor of Practical Boat Owner, explains why the WPNSA is a deserving winner; 'The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy demonstrates how a modern marine centre can be both successful and environmentally responsible. The concept, design, build and running of Britain’s Olympic sailing venue all keep green criteria to the fore. The Academy is a worthy winner of Practical Boat Owner’s 2011 Green Award.'
John Tweed, Chief Executive, Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, has been invited to attend the official prize giving ceremony to be held at the Southampton Boat Show. 'We are very honoured that the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy has received such a prestigious environmental award recognised throughout the marine industry. Here at the Academy we strive towards environmental stewardship and some of the work we undertake can be an example of how modern technologies can be used to achieve a sustainable future.'
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