Brighton Marina

Navigating a sustainable course. Brighton Marina leisure, retail and residential destination attracts 8 million visitors per year.

With such a high profile, General Manager Rui Gomes is keen to demonstrate the company’s commitment to energy efficiency and environmental best practice, understanding that it not only appeals to visitors, but also to the marina’s business operators who want to see their surroundings and rent sensibly managed.

Since 2008, the marina have reduced their annual electricity usage by 45,000 kWh, cut water consumption by 900,000 litres and achieved a 99% landfill diversion rate.

Rui explains this has been achieved through quick-win measures smartly implemented. “We take a systemic approach. After researching and seeking specialist advice, such as that provided at the UTILISE Workshop I attended, we set objectives and prioritise initiatives based on payback periods. Confident then in our project specification, we go to tender seeking experienced contractors and value for money. We monitor results closely and use the information gained to feedback into the marina’s wider sustainability strategy.”

Annual Savings
Energy: 45,129 kWh, £14,857
Water: 900,000 litres, £2,457
Waste: 217 tonnes, £17,000

To reduce electricity consumption the marina focused on common area lighting. A combination of timers and movement and daylight sensors were installed to ensure lights switch-off or dim when not required. LED lighting was fitted in stairwells, shopping areas and toilets, reducing maintenance time on top of achieving energy cost savings.

To lower water usage, Save-a-Flush bags were placed in toilet cisterns and seven waterless urinals installed in the office and public blocks. The measures saved over 900,000 litres per annum, and helped the marina scoop a Loo of the Year 4 Star Award!

Recycling facilities are provided for both visitors and operators. With mixed recycling services cheaper than landfill collections, income received from baling cardboard and any remaining general waste sent to an energy-from-waste plant, Brighton Marina have reduced their annual waste costs by over £17,000.

For more information about the UTILISE course contact the Sustainable Business Partnership for details. Other free services for South East based small and medium sized businesses include environmental and renewable energy site audits.

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