Today Volvo is launching the Volvo Eco Challenge at the 2008 Dinghy Sailing Show with the help of the scheme's ambassador Chris Packham, television presenter, wildlife photographer and author.
Volvo is committed to environmental improvement activities and, as a long term sponsor of sailing1, is now working with the UK sailing community to provide young members of the Volvo RYA Champion Clubs with expertise and funding for local initiatives to help clean up their clubs. £20,000 worth of eco grants are available.
"Sailing depends on a sustainable marine environment. The Volvo Eco Challenge is an opportunity for clubs and sailors to make a real difference to their local environment and to heighten awareness of the very real issues affecting our world. Volvo RYA Champion Club's are already committed to excellence in the field of race training for youngsters - so they are an excellent test bed for actions that improve the environment by taking part in this challenge." Rod Carr OBE, RYA Chief Executive
Sailing clubs are classified as commercial waste producers and have a duty of care with regards to waste under current environmental legislation with penalties for non-compliance. Supported by The Green Blue2, the Volvo Eco Challenge will provide grants of £100-£1000 to individual Volvo RYA Champion Clubs for projects carried out by young people aged 10-16, to improve their environmental impact, implement best environmental practice and assist them in complying with environmental legislation.
The projects can be focussed on the protection of the local wildlife, conversation of energy, recycling and waste disposal or even educating fellow club members on how to become more environmentally friendly. As long as there is an environmental link to the project it will be eligible for a chance to be awarded a cash grant towards the implementation.
"As a car manufacturer, Volvo has accepted the responsibility to develop and build cleaner cars. But to reach for a cleaner society we must work together with others to develop and encourage new environmental programmes. With the Volvo Eco Challenge, Volvo hopes to bring forward members of a new generation who are ready to think creatively to reduce environmental impact in their local sailing community," explained Lesley Milne, Events & Sponsorship Manager, Volvo Car UK.
Volvo Cars continues to focus on reducing the environmental impact of its car manufacturing and its environmental commitment covers the entire lifecycle of the car from design right through to recycling. All new Volvo cars are designed to be 85% recyclable and have 95% recoverability and Volvo was also the first manufacturer to supply Environmental Product Information (EPI) to help the consumer choose a Volvo model on the basis of its life-cycle environmental performance www.volvocars.com/epi.
For more information on the Volvo Eco Challenge and to download PDF application forms and information visit www.volvocars.co.uk/ecochallenge
Ends
