Ferry firm calling for applications from green community projects on IoW

Ferry company Wightlink is urging community groups on the Isle of Wight to apply for a share of £10,000 to turn their environmentally friendly projects into reality thanks to the company’s Green Innovation Fund.

The first two grants under the fund were announced earlier this year.

Waterside Community Trust, which promotes safety along the coast, received £7,500 towards the cost of an electric-powered beach buggy, while alternative transport group Keert was awarded £2,500 towards buying a new e-cargo bike to serve the West Wight.

The new bike, which can carry up to 150kg and large volumes of parcels, improves air quality, makes roads quieter, and reduces traffic noise.

Waterside Community Trust general manager Todd Miller said: “Our lifeguards will use it to tow our beach wheelchairs, an inshore rescue boat and other equipment, perform patrols and much more in both Ryde and Sandown, while helping us to reduce our carbon emissions and look after the amazing Island we live on.”

The idea of the Wightlink fund is to help cut carbon emissions and reduce fossil fuels on the island. Projects sought should bring people together, lead the way for others, and make a positive impact on the environment.

They will also use technology to improve energy efficiency or encourage more people to conserve energy or use less of it.

Meanwhile, the ferry firm itself was awarded the Net Zero Navigator award by Maritime UK Solent earlier this year, recognising its commitment to decarbonise its own operations.

“We have already awarded Wightlink Green Innovation Fund grants to primary schools, secondary schools and community groups to encourage Islanders to advance towards a more sustainable future,” said Wightlink sustainability champion Louise Lea.

“This is another opportunity for people to get together and come up with a brilliant idea to benefit our Island, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.”

Following the arrival of its hybrid flagship Victoria of Wight in 2018, which cut carbon emissions by 20 percent, the company has been focused on sustainability.

Wightlink plans for all-electric ferries once shore power is available at its ports and commissioned a study into decarbonising the rest of the fleet.

Meanwhile, it is installing more electric vehicle (EV) chargers at ports, fitting solar panels and redoubling efforts to improve recycling rates.

More information about the Green Innovation Fund can be found HERE.