We know that if we do nothing we are part of the problem but by taking whatever steps we can, however small, we are working towards a more sustainable future.

The United Nations has identified 17 areas for sustainable development globally. The World Sailing Council has identified which areas they can reasonably uptake as goals, laid out in their Sustainability Agenda 2030.

Here at Multimarine and the Multihull Centre in addition to sailing we build, provide employment and engage with our local communities. As such, we have begun by mapping what we already do so far as possible against the UN goals through necessity with a local focus. We can’t change the world but we can improve our world and help to spread the message that sustainability is crucial to all our lives which are positively impacted by small efforts. This is an ongoing process and we are continually seeking ways to improve our impacts.

Below, United Nations sustainability goals are identified in bold.

Goals identified as World Sailing Council focus areas are identified with WSC.

Next to the goals is our Multihull Centre, Multimarine & Dazcat take on how we contribute to all these goals more locally:

TACKLE POVERTY.    In October 2017 Cornwall was rated as the second poorest region in Northern Europe with over ¼ of Cornish children living in poverty. In 2016 it had the 3rd highest homelessness rate in the country. Through our employment we help to reduce local poverty and also provide economic, on site accommodation for workers and their families should they need it.

We also support the local Scouts group with two of our staff as key volunteers with the group.

ZERO HUNGER. Through providing employment we are helping to minimise hunger locally and more widely through our supply chains.

GOOD HEALTH AND WELL BEING. Regular H&S procedures and training for all staff. Friendly supportive environment. Flexible working options as well as working individually with customers to suit their needs. Market leader in marine accessibility.

QUALITY EDUCATION      WSC. On-site support for apprenticeships. Staff development. Links with local university & college.

GENDER EQUALITY   WSC. We are happy to employ everyone, so long as they can do the job. We promote an inclusive environment and do not tolerate discrimination or bullying.

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION WSC. Accessible to all on site. We encourage water conservation and improving water quality through eliminating dumping, both on site and all boats fitted with black and grey water tanks. We encourage the use of on-shore toilets whenever possible.

AFFORDABLE CLEAN ENERGY WSC. New boats fitted with solar farms and long lasting, high efficiency, non-acid based lithium battery systems.

In 2019 we have begun a full audit of our on-site electricity consumption. In 2020 we plan to begin panelling on our shed rooves to generate our own power, we are also looking into wind generators. Full details will be published of the project as it develops.

DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH WSC. We promote a safe and secure working environment. The workforce are valued and able to contribute skills, techniques and ideas to improve the business and are able to feel proud of their product. The business helps to sustain the local economy through working wherever possible with local suppliers.

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION & INFRASTRUCTURE  WSC. We are continually upgrading the site infrastructure and seeking opportunities to implement innovative strategies, predominantly with a view to increased efficiency and less waste. We contribute to both local and national industry, and the promotion of, through production of a world class brand and an ongoing focus on research and development.

REDUCE INEQUALITY WSC. We aim to make sailing accessible to all by offering a wide-ranging variety of craft and price levels on our brokerage. We also support charities such as The Impossible Dream Project who provide accessible sailing opportunities. Our own flagship is regularly found to be racing with the local sea scouts, yard employees or other groups who may otherwise not be able to access this type of experience. We provide employment in an otherwise poor area and our equal opportunities policies encompass yard users and customers as well as employees.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES. Diversification combined with very cautious, incremental growth and market adaptation has kept the company sustainable which in turn helps to sustain the local community. All materials used are locally sourced wherever possible to support local industries and reduce carbon footprint in transportation.

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION WSC. Promote resource and energy efficiency by “doing better with less”. Reducing waste through:

• Recycling waste
• Re-purposing where possible
• Responsible waste removal
• Where possible sourcing of products takes account of environmental and social impacts
• Production processes such as using infusion techniques, as opposed to wet laying, reduces the chemical impact on both people and the environment while also speeding up the process and therefore being more cost effective.
• We are beginning to explore the use recycled plastics, re-cyclable composites and carbon capturing materials for use in the manufacture of components.

CLIMATE ACTION WSC.     Close management of all waste products in accordance with environmental policies.

We promote access to climate change information through our websites and social media, supporting action to preserve our environment.

We encourage sustainable travel to work modes: cycling, car sharing & public transport.

LIFE BELOW WATER WSC. We promote ocean awareness and impacts of marine pollutants from both land and sea based activities.

We ensure our customers have access to the ‘World Sailing Code of Environmentally Friendly behaviour” by making it available to read in the office, links on websites and Facebook.

We have links with local environmental groups, Rame Beach Care (http://www.ramepbc.org/)and British Divers Marine Rescue (http://www.bdmlr.org.uk/index.php) and provide them with free storage facilities.

LIFE ON LAND  WSC. We maintain the green areas around the site in order to protect and promote wildlife, including through the planting of wildflowers. We work hard to protect the ground from contamination resulting from our activities.

Our Managing Director is a trustee of local conservation charity: The Rame Conservation Trust (https://rameconservationtrust.org.uk/) is involved in all aspects of heritage and the historic environment within our local community.

PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS. Our workforce and our customers feel safe, respected, valued and well treated. This security and sense of belonging has further benefits throughout our business, families and community.

PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS WSC.      We are three separate businesses working together to create a more sustainable framework. We also aim to build partnerships with local & national suppliers, marine networks & businesses, yacht clubs, colleges and universities as well as charities.