Since 2020, the Kelowna Yacht Club has been committed to taking the necessary steps to protect our ecosystem. The Club’s core values speak to Sustainability, Community, and Stewardship. Each of those values has the Club continually transforming our performance to mitigate our impact and guarantee a sustainable future for all.

How a member can help?  Resources

Sustainability Plan

KYC developed its SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) based on the frameworks and guidelines of certified local and international sustainability programs, with 2030 as the national goal to reduce our GHG emissions by 40-45% and become net-zero by 2050.

The Club has committed to the following certifications and programs to achieve these incredible goals:

1. Clean Marine BC

Clean Marine BC is an innovative eco-certification program that recognizes marinas, boatyards, and other boating facilities for their implementation of environmental best practices.  

Since 2019, KYC has worked its way to obtain the top rating of 5-anchors in February 2023. This certification is valid for 3 years and will continue to improve and be innovative within our marina.

2. Clean Regatta

Clean Regattas is the world’s leading sustainability certification for all on-the-water, near-the-water, and water-loving events. Clean Regattas is a free, self-assessment tool with powerful resources and support that awards certification levels from Participant to Platinum.

This past summer, KYC applied through the Blossom Time Regatta and the 525 Santana Regatta, winning Gold and Platinum, respectively. Looking to 2025, KYC’s goal is to achieve Platinum with the Commodore’s Cup Regatta. 

3. Decade of Action 

Throughout October 2021, KYC participated in the Decade of Action Program organized by the BC Tourism Resiliency Network and Sinergy Enterprises. Over 4.5 weeks, KYC worked with our 2 Green Teams (workforce & members) within our organization to build our own SDG Strategy, collaborating to forge a sustainable future for BC tourism through the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Want to know more about the 18 UN Sustainable Goals? Watch this! 

4. Biosphere Program

As local communities and businesses have a central role in the move to sustainable tourism, the Kelowna Yacht Club has recently committed to the Biosphere Program developed by TOTA in partnership with GSTC, GreenStep, and go2HR. 

Joining in November of 2020, KYC has made the most of its sustainable actions to develop initiatives within our Clubhouse: Lounge, Galley Lakeside Café, catering services and administrative offices providing us with opportunities for networking, partnerships, development training workshops, platforms to promote individual sustainable green initiatives. 

Green Initiatives

The Last Straw

Kelowna Yacht Club is taking steps to help eliminate waste. In our Member Lounge, straws are only served by request, and our only options are biodegradable

Keep our Lake Fresh

Kelowna Yacht Club, in partnership with the City of Kelowna, provides a public pump-out station. This allows boaters to pump their effluent into the sewage treatment system instead of the lake

Eco-Efficiency Program

As one of the core programs of our Biosphere Commitment, we monitor and analyze to reduce our resource consumption and apply any necessary awareness campaigns among staff and Club members. KYC is one of three organizations that have been recognized and awarded for leading the sustainability path for other businesses in BC.

Eco-Cleaners & Eco-Products

The front office and The Galley only offer members eco-cleaners and biodegradable and/or compostable commodities with the purpose of reducing our waste impact on the environment.

Shore Clean-Ups

At the beginning and end of the Spring-Summer season, we invite our members and staff to engage with the community to work as a team to clear all waste and debris along the shoreline and the KYC basin that could affect the aquatic ecosystem.

Recycling & Waste Program

Throughout 2022, this program was implemented to minimize waste and ensure that recycling and composting were correctly utilized by both staff and members.

Dock Swap

Dive into a bustling marketplace where moorage members unite to trade boating gear, tools, and other must-haves. Experience the thrill of giving hidden gems a second life change, forging new connections and supporting sustainable goals for our marina.

Campaigns & Events

  • Eco Speaker Series (April)
  • Eco-Webinar: Clean & Green Boating (April)
  • Go By Bike Week (Year-round)
  • Clean, Drain, Dry (Spring – Summer)
  • Earth Day (3rd weekend of April)
  • Shore Clean Up (Spring & Falll)
  • Dock Swap (Spring & Fall)

How can a member help?

Every small action creates a BIG chance! Learn how to start supporting KYC, your community, and at home.  

If you are a member:

KYC Eco Committee

Watch the KYC environmental guide

Resources

Looking for tips online to assist in your quest to be green. Check the links out below.

First Nations:

Support Local:

Nature:

For Waste:

Water:

Energy:

Others:

Environmental Reports:

Want to get involved?

Join our Green Committee – Would you like to get involved, give ideas to improve your community and volunteer at any of our Eco-events? Email us here.