Sustainability Initiatives at America's Cup - Sailors for the Sea

Sustainability Initiatives at America’s Cup

 October 3, 2012  | By: Oceana

Practice Racing Day 1 of ACWS San Francisco. Photo by ACEA/Gilles Martin-Raget
After achieving their first Gold certification in Newport earlier this summer, the America’s Cup aims to continue this trend for its events in San Francisco. For this October’s events, the following Clean Regattas Best Practices are being implemented:
Trash-Free Regatta: The event aims to leave no trace by ensuring ample trash bins and using a dedicated Green Team to keep the event site clean
Recycling and Compost: All trash bins are paired with recycling and compost, signage and volunteer outreach are being used to educate visitors on proper waste separation
Descriptive signs to show what should be composted, recycled, and thrown away.
Durable/Compostable Products: All food service items on site are either durable or biodegradable.
Sustainable Food: All seafood served meets Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Best Choice standards, local, organic and vegetarian foods are being used wherever possible
Water Bottle Reduction: No disposable water bottles are being sold on site, all teams and staff use reusable bottles, water stations are set up in public, staff and team areas.
Signage: Signage is made of biodegradable materials and reused between events, paperless communication is prioritized and when necessary only recycled paper is used.
Oil Spill Prevention: Extensive spill kits on all motorized vessels, education on fueling and spill prevention for drivers, safe re-fueling areas used.
No Discharge: Event boats do not discharge black, grey or bilge water and educational materials are distributed to local boaters promoting the same practices
Runoff Reduction: Stormwater pollution prevention plan in place, boats use water only wash downs, maintenance is conducted in fully contained areas.
Non-Toxic Products: Only non-toxic cleaning products are used in all areas, boats are painted with copper-free bottom paints.
Fuel Economy: Event boats are designed to be particularly fuel efficient, drivers are educated in proper driving behaviors, and generators are being run on Biodiesel (B20).

Solar powered security light at America’s Cup World Series in San Francisco

Sustainable Energy Sources: Solar panels are used to power audio PA, shore power is being used for base operations and energy efficient lightbulbs etc throughout event site.

Overall Energy Use: An energy audit is being conducted, based on which future events will plan to increase efficiency and reduce overall energy use.

Public Outreach: Public are being engaged in sustainability initiatives through Healthy Ocean Project exhibit in village, promotion of public transit and coastal conservation activity.

Tell us: What do you think is the most important initiative?