Making Life Cycle Assessment the building block to improve the environmental performance and transform the future of the boating industry
The Blue Boat Horizon (BBH) project was launched in 2024 as an industry-funded flagship sustainability initiative led by European Boating Industry (EBI), bringing together more than 21 leading European boat manufacturers, 11 national associations, and key industry stakeholders to develop the first harmonised Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology for recreational boats under 24 metres. The project aims to provide a science-based and practical framework to measure and reduce the environmental footprint of boats, support eco-design, support smart regulation and enable credible environmental claims. Following extensive industry collaboration, data collection, and case studies, the methodology has reached an advanced stage with Version 1.1.
The next phase of the project is focused on global methodology development and alignment, database and tool development together with global partners ICOMIA and NMMA. Strengthening international cooperation, global alignment and supporting the wider adoption of Life Cycle Assessment across the recreational boating industry will drive sustainable innovation and continuous environmental improvement. European national associations and manufacturers are leading the work in EBI through the dedicated LCA Working Group.
For further information or to join the work, please contact EBI This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Why a LCA tool desinged for the recreational boating industry
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To support the sustainable transition of the boating industry, LCA gives businesses the opportunity to follow a comprehensive approach to evaluating the environmental impact of recreational boats, going beyond tailpipe emissions and CO2.
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By identifying environmental hotspots, LCA enables manufacturers to target specific improvements in design and production, driving sustainability and avoiding greenwashing.
Life Cycle Assessment approach enables practical, structured and sector-specific approach to decarbonisation
Main benefits of Life Cycle Assessment
Aligning with the EU’s Product Environmental Footprint method
Global recreational marine lifecycle assessment (LCA) framework
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From left to right: Jeff Wasil (HSE Director, NMMA and Chair, IMEC), Philip Easthill (Secretary-General, EBI), Joe Lynch (CEO, ICOMIA), Ellen Bradley (SVP MarComm, NMMA), Robert Marx (President, EBI) and Frank Hugelmeyer, (President & CEO, NMMA) |
Leading marine trade associations the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), European Boating Industry (EBI), and National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) are working together to develop a global recreational marine lifecycle assessment (LCA) framework. This partnership establishes the first-ever global collaboration to assess, measure and report the industry’s environmental performance of recreational boats.
As part of ongoing efforts to demonstrate environmental stewardship and harmonise global sustainability initiatives, and the recreational marine industry is committed to achieving a comprehensive framework that provides a methodology that quantifies the environmental performance of a recreational boat through every phase of its life, including raw materials, production, use phase, disposal and recycling.
Read the full press release here.
Project Partners
Governance
