INTERNATIONAL NEWS
careful examination of what materials are used can be meaningful. For instance, many facilities seem to put in tropical hardwood decking. They are expensive and in many cases come from the diminishing rain forests of tropical countries. There are other choices, including various composites, that use recycled materials, typically cost less and can out- perform the wood options. Of course, one must do some homework on this front as there are also any number of composite products out there that will not hold up when subject to the rigors of the marine/marina environment! The 2” thick composite we most often recommend is made by MoistureShield. Taking a serious look at the
siding, roofing, insulation and weather stripping materials for buildings as well as the paint used can cut down on the needs of both air-conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter. There are even folks working on color changing paints and roofing tiles that are black in the winter and white in the summer.
Other more standard practices
that clean and green marinas should typically be following might include using oil-absorbent pads when fueling to prevent fuel from entering the water; creating bio-swales or similar areas with native plants to capture, filter and slowly release stormwater; preventing discharges of oil, anti-
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freeze, acid or other hazardous materials as well as properly disposing of hazardous materials; reducing waste and having a robust recycling program; providing adequate trash and recycling receptacles as well as emptying them as often as necessary to prevent overflowing, particularly on weekends and
holidays; and, of course, having clean, functional restrooms. And for those who are truly
energy conscious, installing that solar array or a wind turbine can have significant benefits, and get customers’ attention. As I have mentioned before, Sun Harbor Marina in San Diego gained tremendous publicity by being the first LEED certified marina, and Forever Resorts got significant marketing for having the first LEED certified floating marine service building! Other marinas have certainly scored points touting their individual programs and activities. So when one is thinking about
projects, whether they be capital or maintenance, one needs to think in terms of long term – are there improvements that can be incorporated or even substitutions that can be made that can pay for themselves and help improve the environment? But all of this comes back to the mindset. The other day I was walking through a facility with the new owner and I kept stopping to pick up candy wrappers and other litter. The owner said, “You know we do have people to do that.” I smiled and said, “Well I guess we are all part of those people.” The rest of the walk he started picking up the litter as we talked about how to instill the mindset into not only his staff but the customers. I am a firm believer of leading
by example. And the effect can be contagious!
Dan Natchez is president of DANIEL S. NATCHEZ and ASSOCIATES Inc., a leading international environmental waterfront design consulting company specializing in the design of marinas and marina resorts throughout the world. He invites your comments and inquiries by phone at 914/698-5678, by fax at 914/698-7321, by e-mail at
dan.n@dsnainc.com or on the web at
www.dsnainc.com
50 FORE & AFT MARCH 2017
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