Green Events Policy

Pwllheli Sailing Club are committed to minimising the impact of their activities on the environment and have created this Green Events Policy for the Topper Worlds 2014 event. The policy sets out the steps the event organisers will take to adopt a sustainable approach whilst delivering the best possible event. 

Commitment to Sustainability 

• Ensure all functions of the event (both onshore and field of play) meet environmental legislation and local bylaws. 
• Encourage and support the event venue to develop an Environmental Policy. 
• Communicate with competitors, officials and volunteers on the environmental expectations of them. Where possible make communications paperless by using the internet, e-mail and SMS messaging. 
• Post-event, review any environmental impact and consider improvements for the next one. 

Pollution Prevention 

• Establish a secured refuelling area located away from drains and the water’s edge if on land. 
• Provide oil and fuel spill kits, no-spill refuelling devices and training for support vessels and staff. Ensure support boat handlers notify event organisers of any spills immediately. 
• Encourage all safety, committee and coach boats to maintain appropriate speeds at all times to achieve fuel efficiency. 

Waste & Litter Management 

• Prohibit overboard discharge of any rubbish including food in line with ISAF rule 55. 
• Ensure that bow decals are properly affixed to competitors’ boats so they do not come loose during racing. 
• Provide plenty of waste bins with closable lids to stop litter being blown into the water. 
• Designate a person to monitor and collect litter. 
• Locate recycling and general waste bins together for ease of use with clear pictorial signage so as much waste as possible is recycled. 

• Set up a process to ensure that as many boats and trailers as possible are checked, cleaned and, if practicable, dried prior to arriving on site and before leaving site to help prevent the spread of Invasive Non Native Species. In the case of RIBs, try to ensure that engines are lifted out of the water when not in use for prolonged periods of time and flushed after use where possible. 
• Include information on sensitive habitats/wildlife to be avoided in the Sailing Instructions/briefings. 

Resource Efficiency 

• Provide mechanisms such as trigger nozzles on hoses for washing down boats to improve water efficiency. 
• Record energy and water use and try to reduce these figures for future events. 

• Provide competitors with refillable water bottles and drinking water to reduce the number of disposable plastic bottles. 
• Source products with less packaging to reduce waste. 
• Source recycled, recyclable or refurbished products and materials where these alternatives are available, economical and suitable. 
• Use only FSC accredited products (paper and wood.) 
• Use suppliers, contractors and concessions that show a commitment to sustainability.