Our commitment to the environment
We care about our environment
ESC is committed to protecting the natural environment and promoting sustainable practices across all our areas of activity. Our location within one of only 46 National Landscapes, Chichester Harbour, makes this commitment especially important.
We recognise our responsibility to minimise our environmental impact and to inspire others to do the same through education, example and action. By all working together, we can create a more sustainable future for our members, Chichester Harbour and beyond.
Our member survey has shaped our Environment Policy (or see the Policies section of the website). From this, we will identify the key issues so that we can create our Action Plan and drive meaningful change.
We are proud to follow the guidance of the RYA Green Blue programme and are committed to reducing our impact on the natural world. By working together as members, volunteers and staff, we aim to make ESC a leader in sustainable watersports.
Environment statement
ESC recognises its responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and to continually improving our environmental performance as part of our everyday operations.
Responsibility
The General Committee (GC) oversees the implementation of our Environment Policy. A small environment working group leads the delivery of our action plan, but all Club users (members, visitors, guests, volunteers and employees) have a role to play in supporting our environmental goals.
Our environmental commitments
ESC aims to:
- Comply with all relevant environmental and legal requirements
- Reduce our environmental impact and improve performance year on year
- Use energy and water responsibly
- Cut down on waste and eliminate single-use plastics
- Protect the waters and habitats we share with wildlife
- Build awareness and encourage all Club users to play their part.
Our culture
Environmental sustainability is embedded in our Club activities and informs our decision making. We aim to be as environmentally responsible as possible through practical action and education, continually responding to new challenges and opportunities. By raising awareness and encouraging positive environmental behaviours among our staff and members, we hope to inspire actions that extend beyond the Club and into everyday life.
Environment links
RYA Environment and Sustainable Policy
RYA Green Blue Sustainable Boating for Cleaner, Healthier Waters
Chichester Harbour Protection and Recovery of Nature
Chichester Harbour Federation Environmental Forum
Final Straw Foundation
Bird Aware Solent
The Solent Seals Code of Conduct
Enjoy Paddlesports in Chichester Harbour
Harbour Oysters
Chichester Harbour Friends
Chichester Harbour Conservancy
Water quality
Follow this link to the Club YouTube and our Photo Library.
Environment Update – Gold Accreditation!
As many of you are aware, we are working towards several environmental accreditations to recognise the positive changes we are making across the Club in line with our Environment Action Plan.
Most recently, we have been completing applications for the eight Final Straw Foundation accreditation categories, which recognise environmentally responsible practices.
We were delighted to hear last week that ESC has been awarded Gold accreditation in the Café, Restaurant and Bar category!
Ollie and Caroline have been working hard to explore more environmentally responsible options, including replacing cling film with using clean tea towels, Tupperwares and beeswax wraps, trialling locally produced meat and vegetables, using environmentally accredited cleaning products and reviewing purchasing, packaging and delivery practices.
A fantastic achievement and recognition of the positive changes taking place across the Club. Congratulations and thank you to Ollie and everyone involved!
Caroline
Downloads
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Reduce Reuse Recycle Top Tips.pdf
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Environmentally Responsible Sun Protection.pdf
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ESC Member Survey Report October 2025.pdf
