Headquartered in Brussels, EBI represents the recreational boating ecosystem across Europe – spanning national marine associations representing boatbuilders, equipment manufacturers, marinas, and service providers. Its latest effort sets a new precedent: the development of the first-ever Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology tailored specifically to recreational boats under 24 metres. The goal? A sector-wide redefinition of environmental impact that is both scientifically rigorous and operationally feasible.
“This award is a significant milestone, reflecting EBI’s position as a strategic actor at European level,” says Philip Easthill, Secretary General at EBI. “It validates our proactive approach on sustainability, but most importantly, it’s a recognition of the collaborative work of our members and partners who have dedicated countless hours to this project.”
From Perception to Precision
Environmental discussion around the recreational boating sector has often been narrowly defined by visible emissions, particularly those generated when engines are in use. But as Easthill points out, this is just one element of a much broader picture. “The perception is often wrongly based on tailpipe emissions alone, which constrains our ability to implement innovation that really matters; innovation that addresses impact from raw materials to manufacturing, use, and end-of-life,” he explains.
That insight laid the foundation for Blue Boat Horizon, EBI’s initiative to create a comprehensive LCA methodology adapted to the specificities of its sector. Structured in two phases, the project is currently completing its first: the development of a robust methodology aligned with the EU’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEFCR) standards.
The second phase will focus on building a practical tool and database to make the methodology usable by companies across Europe ensuring that environmental performance becomes a core business metric. “This is not about short-term visibility,” says Easthill. “It’s about long-term transformation, supported by tools that our members can use in real operational contexts.”
Co-Creation as a Strategic Asset
What makes Blue Boat Horizon particularly remarkable is not only its technical ambition but the governance model behind it. More than 17 boatbuilders, nine national associations, propulsion and material experts (many of them market competitors) came together to shape the methodology. The process was coordinated by EBI in partnership with Quantis, a sustainability consultancy, and involved regular workshops, technical committees, and third-party reviews.
“We designed this to be inclusive from day one,” says Easthill. “That was essential to credibility and also to implementation. In 2024 alone, over 250 working days from technical experts were dedicated to the project.”
A turning point came when leading manufacturers, often in direct competition with each other, agreed to join forces. “That was a key moment,” Easthill recalls. “Getting everyone in the same room and aligned around a shared methodology was a first for our sector and it showed what’s possible when collaboration is prioritised over competition.”
The initiative has also gained traction beyond Europe. EBI is now collaborating with the North American association NMMA and its international counterpart ICOMIA to explore the methodology’s global applicability. “Our sector is intrinsically international. We’ve opened our doors to global partners because, especially in a time of geopolitical change, we need shared standards and shared language,” he notes.
Making Sustainability a Permanent Fixture
The ESAE Impact Award, judged by peers across the association landscape, is more than a moment of recognition. For EBI, it marks a mandate for further action and a reinforcement of its strategic direction. The LCA methodology will now become a permanent part of EBI’s governance framework, feeding into its work on innovation, regulation, and sustainability financing. “Our ambition – and the sheer size of the task ahead – means this will be on our agenda for years to come,” says Easthill. “It’s not just a project. It’s part of our structure now.”
For other associations looking to drive similar levels of impact, EBI’s experience offers clear insights. “Start with a clear vision that reflects real industry needs. Align it with science and policy developments, and ensure it leads to practical tools and business cases. That’s how you build lasting relevance,” Easthill advises.
The initiative also sends a broader message: that sectors not typically at the forefront of sustainability debates can, with the right approach, become leaders in their own right. By focusing on credible science, transparent collaboration, and tangible outcomes, EBI has demonstrated that the boating industry is ready to adapt and lead.
“Winning this award is a validation,” Easthill concludes, “but more than that, it’s an invitation to keep going. We’ve shown that this kind of change is possible. Now it’s about embedding it – deeply and durably – across the sector.”