What has the impact been?

Emissions

One petrol-powered boat wasfully replaced by the electric boat which means emissionswere reduced by 50%.

Fuel Savings

The initial investment required was50-60% higher than buying a petrol-fuelled boat. Takingjustfuel savingsinto account,the businessestimateda savingof £5000/year which wouldhave given a pay-backtime of 10 years. However, addingsolar panels to the roof (now providing 3040% of the energy) and the increased capacitythat the electric boat offered (morevisitorsper trip) reduced the payback time tojust 5 years.

Accessibility

Barry had workedin The ShareCentre for a numberof years andhe wantedto have a fully accessible boat that could facilitatemultiple wheelchairs. The electric boat has fulfilled that dream,able to accommodate6 wheelchairs at once with an ease of boardinganddisembarkingwithoutthe need for a ramp. As the boat is silent, it alsofavoursvisitorswith auditorysensitivities

EmissionsDisconnectionand Closenessto Nature

The silent boat gives a peaceful opportunitytodisconnect fromthe noise andbusynessof everyday life. Many visitors remark on the sense of tranquillitythey experience andhow it allowsthem really hear and experience the lake wildlife upclose.

“Ididn’trealisehowmuchpeoplewouldvaluetheelectric boatuntilitwasbuiltanditwasareality.Peoplereallyvalue thefactthattheycantravelwithoutcausingmore emissions.”

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TourismNI offers a range of practicaltoolkitsandtemplates to help reduce the carbon emissionsfromyourbusiness: Saving Energy & Reducing Waste| TourismNI