Sustainability in focus for Southampton Boat Show 2025
The Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) has announced two new environmental initiatives ahead of its 2025 edition, taking place from 19 to 28 September. In line with its ongoing commitment to sustainability, the show will launch a new carbon offsetting programme for exhibitors and open nominations for its annual Environmental Award.
Both initiatives build on the principles of the show’s Environmental Charter, introduced six years ago to guide SIBS’ approach to responsible event management and encourage positive environmental change within the marine industry.
For the first time, exhibitors at the 2025 Southampton Boat Show will have the option to participate in a carbon offsetting scheme developed in partnership with Yacht Carbon Offset, an environmental services provider. The programme enables participating exhibitors to calculate and offset the carbon footprint associated with their stand build, travel, and accommodation during the event.
Exhibitors opting into the scheme will pay a fee based on stand size and berth numbers, and submit basic information via a short questionnaire. Proceeds will be directed to a verified carbon reduction project in a developing country, selected by British Marine in collaboration with Yacht Carbon Offset.
“The carbon offsetting scheme provides a simple way for exhibitors to take accountability for their carbon emissions,” says Rachel Goult, managing director at Yacht Carbon Offset. “The data collected helped British Marine monitor the show’s overall footprint and allows exhibitors to benchmark and improve year-on-year,” she adds.
Show organisers emphasise that offsetting is intended as a complementary measure, rather than a substitute for emissions reduction, and encourage all exhibitors to participate. However, participation in the offsetting scheme will be a requirement for those entering the Environmental Award.
The Southampton International Boat Show has also opened entries for its 2025 Environmental Award, which recognises exhibitors demonstrating effective integration of sustainable practices into their business operations and show presence.
Entries will be judged on criteria including waste and resource management, stand design and reusability, low-impact logistics, and community engagement. The deadline for applications is 29 August 2025, with the winner announced on 19 September at the Boating Academy Stage.
“This award celebrates those leading by example — not just talking sustainability, but embedding it into their business and show activities,” says Adam James, technical executive and environmental lead at British Marine, the show’s organiser. “We want to see exhibitors who take ownership of their environmental impact and showcase to the industry what’s possible,” he adds.
Jasmine Hill, events director at British Marine, comments: “The Southampton International Boat Show continues to lead by example. With carbon offsetting and our Environmental Award in place, we’re taking the next bold step in delivering a truly sustainable show – and we urge every exhibitor to be part of that journey.”
The 2025 show will also feature educational talks, exhibits, and interactive activities designed to promote environmental awareness among visitors and the broader boating community. Aside from the sustainability focus, British Marine has also confirmed the return of the Women in Marine event at the 2025 Southampton International Boat Show.
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