SailGP is powered by nature and driven by purpose, and uses its global platform to champion a better world powered by nature, with a focus on accelerating a transition to clean energy. In addition to the partnership, SailGP is committed to full staff participation and encouraging its local partners to take part in the campaign.
“We are very pleased to have SailGP involved with our campaign this year,” says Greenrock Chairman Eugene Dean. “Having a cutting-edge, international sporting brand advocating with us for nature and sustainability, raises the profile of our efforts and expands the reach of our campaign beyond our shores. Already the relationship has paid dividends, with several local agencies, government departments and participating vendors reaching out to us about Earth Hour as a result of SailGP encouraging them to get actively involved.”
Established as the first climate positive sport and entertainment property, SailGP recently achieved both the Carbon Neutral International Standard and joined the UN Climate Neutral Now Initiative, plus the international sustainability standard ISO20121 – ensuring it delivers its events to the highest operating standard. While setting new standards and inspiring action globally, SailGP has developed partnerships with a host of other like-minded businesses and organisations, right here in Bermuda.
“Being a league that travels the globe means we need to take a closer look at every aspect of our day-to-day operations, ensuring we’re making decisions that align with our purpose”, says Alexandra Rickham, SailGP Sustainability Manager. “For instance, at each event we are using solar to help charge the F50 foiling catamarans’ batteries and power the technical areas.”
“As a climate positive business – we measure, reduce and offset our carbon footprint at every opportunity. Trialling new technology to help reduce our on-water operations is just one of many examples of this”, adds Alexandra.
Collaborating with local organisations such as Greenrock, SailGP is, in turn, supported in its efforts to host sustainable events utilising clean energy. The reciprocal relationship of utilising local suppliers to keep their footprint smaller and local economic impact bigger is a winning combination.
“Holding regular conversations with the SailGP Sustainability Officers has been an enlightening experience for us”, says Eugene. “We have gained a tremendous understanding of the work they do to ensure that inclusion, social consciousness and environmental sustainability are both central to the organisation’s mission, and seamlessly integrated into all levels of its operations.”
“Over time they are eliminating red meat from their menus and are increasing the presence of plant-based options in their meals. Their strict guidelines regarding waste reduction, waste management and waste removal have been developed to ensure that items are separated into various waste streams, reused and recycled, whenever possible, then disposed of correctly at the appropriate waste facility. All of these initiatives are driven by a commitment to operate more sustainably and as a country there are several opportunities for takeaways from observing and understanding their operations, that we can incorporate in activities we host year round.”
SailGP’s partnerships, that go beyond Bermuda’s shores, have taken an interest in Earth Hour and will be showing their support of the Island’s event. The City of Taranto, Italy – SailGP’s next host city following Bermuda – will be switching off the lights to their City Hall and the lights of one of the main city squares, Piazza Ebalia, as a show of solidarity.
Recognition surrounding the goodwill of SailGP’s local partners, who play an integral role in SailGP’s Race for the Future agenda, are getting involved in a variety of ways.
Bermuda Tourism Authority {BTA) – Official Host Partner – It will be ‘one hour, no power’ on Saturday evening at the Hamilton office location. Sharing information across their social feeds, the BTA will encourage others to do their part. The initiative aligns with the organisation’s 2025 aim to guide Bermuda on the path to becoming one of the ‘greenest’ tourist destinations, attracting visitors who value this through more eco-friendly practices and better use of its natural resources as outlined in the Bermuda National Tourism Plan.
Hamilton Princess & Beach Club – Title Partner – Turning off outdoor lights and reducing indoor lighting in public areas inclusive of their restaurants, patrons may experience the bonus of a candlelight dining experience, health and safety permitting.
WEDCO – Official Venue Partner – Lights will be turned off in the Royal Naval Dockyard in support of Earth Hour as a reminder to take action by living and developing more sustainably. Committed to the environment, the team at WEDCO are dedicated to the preservation of history and the sustainable development of their vested lands. Their solar panel installation project, wastewater treatment facility, electric vehicle recharge zone, reverse osmosis plant, and their LED lighting project are part of the growing list of amazing initiatives undertaken by this group.
BF&M – Official Partner – As well as pledging to support Greenrock, BF&M will be turning off their building lights, encouraging their staff to do the same at home, as a unified effort.
Butterfield – Official Partner – Also an official sponsor of Earth Hour, and with a workforce of over 600 employees, will promote supporting the initiatives within their organisation
Appleby – Official Partner – Official Law Firm of the Bermuda SailGP Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess – Appleby will be turning off their outdoor lights and encouraging their employees to turn off all lights in their homes to support Earth Hour and help raise awareness of the importance of our planet.
