Le Boat’s Sustainability Plan
At Le Boat, we care about making our vacations more sustainable for future generations and safeguarding the intimacy of getting away from overpopulated cities and cruising on free waters. After all, if we are to succeed in creating inspiring boating memories and enabling our customers to see the world from the unique perspective of the waterways, it is our responsibility to ensure our cruising regions are protected and preserved at their very best for all to enjoy.
We also recognise the urgent nature of the climate and biodiversity crisis we face, and that aspects of tourism are currently contributing to both. Together with our suppliers and partners, we commit to playing our part in reducing our impact and seeking ways in which we can contribute to the solutions required.
Our progress so far
Taking climate action by supporting healthy oceans
As part of our commitment to climate and nature action, we’ve joined our sister companies across the Travelopia Group* to partner with Blue Marine Foundation.
Our objective is to help conserve the stunning coastlines and marine life that enrich your holidays and restore ocean ecosystems that are vital in tackling climate change. Together with our sister travel companies, we intend to donate at least £1 million over the next 3 years, with an aim to support the conservation and restoration of 7,000 hectares of vital marine ecosystems through seven global projects. From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Kenya to Indonesia, these protected “blue carbon ecosystems” have the potential to remove and store thousands of tonnes of carbon every year. They will also help protect a rich diversity of coastal and underwater wildlife, including endangered species. Our support will also enable the training and employment of local communities in marine conservation, helping ensure these beautiful places are preserved for generations.
*Le Boat is a member of the Travelopia group of travel companies which has come together to partner with Blue Marine Foundation
Image credit: Liam McGuire | Ocean Image Bank
- We create jobs across Europe including remote areas
- We help local communities and businesses with promotions and recommendations, bringing a vital source of tourism income to the local areas
- We work with our suppliers to adhere to a clear set of sustainability standards
- We work closely with local organisations who help maintain and protect our waterways to promote their message and help with their work
- We join the initiative of Voies Navigables de France for the preservation of the Canal du Midi, in order to act together to take care of the biodiversity of the most famous canal in France.
- We make our customers aware of our easy to adopt 10 Golden Rules to being a Green Boater, which include: conserving energy and water, sorting of waste and breaking waves that can damage banks.
- We partner with and promote local shops and resturants to our customers, and encourage all customers to shop local and purchase locally made produce.
- We encourage our colleagues to use our 'cycle to work' scheme.
- Our colleagues dedicate one day every year for charitable or environmental causes. In April 2022, our Smiths Falls team chose to take part of PITCH-IN, which is dedicated to the preservation and sustainable growth of natural ecosystems and communities. They managed to get over 25 bags of garbage cleaned up!
- We replaced our traditional brochure with our ‘Fresh Perspectives’ Magazine which not only has half the pages, we also produced fewer printed copies than the traditional brochure (70% fewer copied printed in 2019 vs. 2018)
- We print on FSC certified, paper from forests that are responsibly managed in a way that is socially beneficial and environmentally conscious
- During our 2024 Lot pilot program we are installing a new water pump at our Douelle base to clean boats using river water, which will help conserve drinking water.
- We respond swiftly to environmental incidents, such as the Canal du Midi floods in 2018, to restore and rebuild
- We are measuring Le Boat’s carbon footprint in order to set reduction targets.
- We continually invest in our fleet ensuring our new boats are fitted with modern engines that are efficient, reliable and comply with the latest emission regulations
- As a result of extensive testing on our fleet in Ireland in 2023, in 2024 the plan is to test HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) at our Douelle base in Lot. HVO is a fuel synthesized from reused fat and vegetable waste, reducing CO2 emissions by 90% when compared to standard diesel fuel.
- We encourage and facilitate recycling at our bases
- During our 2024 Lot pilot we aim for clients to avoid buying bulky single-use plastic water bottles by providing UV-filtered water on selected boats, enabling boaters to drink purified water with confidence during their cruise.
What you can do
You can play your part too by following our 10 Golden Rules to being a Green Boater:
- Conserve water while onboard
- Reduce speed so no breaking wake on banks. While you are boating, particularly on shallow canals, if you try to go too fast you will burn more fuel but will not go any faster
- No littering or throwing waste overboard including cigarette butts
- Be mindful of what you put down the drains/toilet
- If possible, switch off the boat engine when passing through a lock
- If you can, turn your engine off when you are moored such as when you are queuing for locks. This will save fuel as well as improving the air that you breath
- Manage your onboard energy consumption. For example, switch off lights when not in use
- Support local communities by purchasing local products
- Separate recycling while onboard
- Use ECO friendly products.