Gym Marine Launches #GreenWingsChallenge

Specialists in designing wellness interiors for the superyacht industry, Gym Marine Yachts & Interiors, has today announced the launch of their #GreenWingsChallenge, in partnership with Yacht Carbon Offset.

The challenge aims to reduce the carbon footprint produced by air travel within the yachting industry, with the goal to offset enough kilometres to fly to the moon and back five times. In a bid to understand the impact on the environment, fellow frequent flyers are invited to take part.

As the world becomes more environmentally aware, it is vital that business leaders understand the impact that their activities, particularly their air travel, has on the environment and how to take action.

Working with Yacht Carbon Offset, all proceeds from off-setting carbon emissions go towards carefully selected, independently verified GHG emission reduction projects including solar, wind and geothermal technologies in coastal-based locations or regions frequented by superyachts.

The Green Wings Challenge came about after Gym Marine’s CEO, Edward Thomas reflected on his own travel schedule, “The Coronavirus crisis has given me the opportunity to reflect on how our business practices affect the environment. All evidence during the lockdown points to a reduction in journeys having a positive impact on the planet,” said Edward.

“As a business leader in the global yachting industry, air travel forms a huge part of my day to day job, as I travel to meet clients and visit projects.”

After totalling the mileage of his trips in 2019, with the help of Yacht Carbon Offset Edward discovered his 38 flights generated almost 10 tonnes of greenhouse gasses. “Imagine a giant cube, filled with 12 shipping containers, and multiply this by 10,” he said, putting one person’s carbon footprint into perspective.

Edward has since offset these emissions using Yacht Carbon Offset’s scheme for a total of just £95 – a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things. Together with his team, he is now exploring ways to reduce the number of annual flights taken as part of a wider plan to reduce the carbon footprint of his business.

But Gym Marine want to go further, calling all CEOs and colleagues in the industry to join him, “I can’t wait to see who comes forward and rises to the challenge,” said Edward. With an ambitious target to offset 3,844,000 Km – enough to fly to the moon and back five times – here’s how you can take part in the #GreenWingsChallenge.

How to Take Part

Anyone can be part of the challenge, with only three simple steps you need to take:

• Step 1: Go back through your 2019 diary and list all the flights you took.

• Step 2: Send the list via email to greenwings@gymmarine.com

• Step 3: Yacht Carbon Offset will send you a quote to offset the total carbon emissions from your flights with a link for payment. You will also receive details on the energy projects that will benefit from your support.  

Once completed, you will receive a certificate and be added to Gym Marine’s Wall of Trustees.

So let’s come together and make our air miles count towards a healthier planet!

To learn more, watch the video below: