Southampton Boat Show Expands Sustainability Push

The Southampton International Boat Show, scheduled for September 19–28, 2025, is setting a stronger course toward sustainability with the introduction of a new Carbon Offsetting Scheme and the return of its Environmental Award, organizers announced this month.

Now in its sixth year of implementing an Environmental Charter, the show continues to push for measurable environmental improvements from its hundreds of marine exhibitors. This year, a new voluntary carbon offsetting program—developed in partnership with Yacht Carbon Offset—aims to quantify and reduce the carbon footprint of exhibitor participation.

From stand construction and accommodation to travel and transport, exhibitors can now calculate and offset their emissions through a tiered fee structure based on booth or berth size. Collected fees will fund carbon reduction projects in developing countries, selected by British Marine and Yacht Carbon Offset. In turn, the show collects valuable data to benchmark its overall environmental footprint and encourage long-term reduction efforts.

“Carbon offsetting is not a substitute for emissions reduction—but it’s a practical step toward accountability and change,” said Rachel Goult, Managing Director of Yacht Carbon Offset.

Participation in the offsetting program is mandatory for exhibitors seeking the show’s Environmental Award, which recognizes businesses that embed sustainability in both their operations and show presence. Award entrants will be judged on resource use, stand design, transportation logistics, and wider community engagement. The winner will be announced live on the Boating Academy Stage on Friday, September 19.

All exhibitors must still meet the show’s baseline environmental standards, including bans on single-use plastics, use of compostable or recyclable catering materials, and nomination of an on-stand sustainability champion.

Beyond the exhibit halls, visitors can expect interactive sustainability features and educational programming designed to highlight solutions within the recreational boating industry.

“Sustainable progress takes collective action,” said Jasmine Hill, Events Director at British Marine. “We’re committed to helping exhibitors, boaters and the wider marine industry take meaningful steps—together.”

For more on the show’s environmental efforts, visit: southamptonboatshow.com/helping-the-environment.

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