Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions from recreational craft
The Dutch recreational boating sector makes a significant contribution to the leisure economy, but there is a general lack of insight into the associated CO₂ emissions. This project systematically maps out the carbon footprint of recreational boating in the Netherlands for the first time.
The research constitutes a baseline measurement and serves as a starting point for the ‘Reducing the CO₂ footprint’ priority within Waterrecreatie Nederland’s Sustainable Water Recreation programme.
The research is being carried out by the Centre for Sustainability, Tourism and Transport (CSTT) at Breda University of Applied Sciences, with support from CELTH and HISWA RECRON. The results provide a factual basis for sustainability choices, policy development and communication with water sports enthusiasts.
Objective
The aim of the project is to determine:
- The fuel consumption of the Dutch recreational boating sector.
- The associated CO₂ emissions in the reference year 2023.
- How these emissions can be broken down by different types of recreational boats.
This baseline measurement will provide a reference point against which the sector can track progress towards sustainability in the coming years.
Approach
The research builds on the long-standing expertise of BUas and CSTT in calculating the climate impacts of tourism-related mobility and activities. The approach consists of:
- Developing and applying a calculation methodology for CO₂ emissions from recreational boating.
- A survey of water sports enthusiasts to collect data on usage and fuel consumption.
- Analysis by boat type, including cabin sailing boats, cabin motorboats, sloops, open motorboats, open sailing boats and speedboats.
The method used is designed in such a way that it can also be applied to other forms of water sports and water recreation in the future.
Results
The project will result in:
- A reliable baseline measurement of the carbon footprint of Dutch recreational boating.
- Insight into differences between boat types and usage patterns.
- A methodological basis for the systematic monitoring of CO₂ emissions in the water recreation sector.
The results will support policymakers, industry organisations and businesses in specifically reducing the climate impact of water-based recreation and in informing boat owners and consumers.
Partners
The project is being carried out by:
- Centre for Sustainability, Tourism and Transport (CSTT) at Breda University of Applied Sciences.
- Waterrecreatie Nederland.
- HISWA RECRON.