MDL Marinas launches Green Strategy

MDL Marinas has launched its new Green Strategy – the beginning of a journey the company hopes will make it the UK’s most sustainable marina group.

The marina group has already introduced a raft of measures aimed at sustainability and environmentalism and is now looking at becoming the first UK marina group to offer an electric boat charging solution across its marinas. In addition, MDL is increasing the number of electric vehicle charging point facilities at each of its locations.

What MDL has achieved so far includes:

Harnessing solar energy
MDL has been investing in solar panels since 2018 and has now got almost 1,000 on buildings at five of its marinas, which, in 2020, generated 120,346 kWh of electricity.

Renewable energy
All the electricity MDL doesn’t produce and needs to purchase comes from 100 per cent renewable sources.

Electric vehicle charging points
Over 40 electric car charging points have been installed at MDL’s marinas.

MDL Fitness
A new range of green gyms have been set up on site whereby the innovative sports equipment harnesses up to 74 per cent of a user’s energy spent exercising before converting it to utility grade electricity.

Waste management and recycling
Full recycling and waste management facilities are available at all MDL marinas with a 100 per cent zero waste to landfill policy. A Seabin has also been installed at three of its marinas to collect litter from the water and improve water quality.

Beneficial disposal of dredge material
When dredging to maintain water depth, MDL works with harbour authorities and local councils to redistribute the dredge from its sites, helping to build mudflat levels where needed. This encourages saltmarshes to re-establish, and flora and fauna to increase.

MDL has also sourced and is trialling an alternative team uniform produced from 100% recycled plastic.

“We’re proud of everything we’ve achieved so far, but we know there’s more to do as a marina group, and as part of the leisure marine industry,” says Tim Mayer, sales and marketing director at MDL. “We’ve committed to being part of the solution through our new Green Strategy, which sets out our plan to navigate to #greenermarinas. Through the use of our hashtag, we want to help educate anyone who comes to our marinas on best environmental practices, both ashore and while out boating.

“Looking at how the boating industry is evolving, we’re investing heavily to support it with regards to sustainability in any way we can. We’re also investing long term in our own journey towards sustainability, tackling environmental issues and helping protect the planet. We are committed to the marine ecosystem, ensuring it’s in great shape for years to come for the enjoyment of all, and we’d like to invite everyone to join us.”