Ten Tips for clubs

Don’t leave the boathouse hose dripping. If the tap is leaking then get it fixed!

• Renewable energy: Install a small solar, wind and/or hydro-power system in your boathouse.

• Electricity: Turn off lights and unplug electrical appliances that are not in use.

• Light bulbs: Replace incandescent light bulbs with efficient CFLs or LEDs.

• Roof: 1) Retrofit the roof of your boathouse with heat and sunlight reflective materials, 2) ensure the roof of your boathouse is efficiently insulated, or 3) create a green roof with plants and a garden to provide additional insulation.

• Windows: 1) Use shades, drapes or blinds – windows that are not properly dressed can contribute to heat loss or excessive heat gain within a building; 2) seal any air leakages you might find around the windows; 3) install double-panned or triple-panned windows; 4) apply a heat-reflective coating to the windows of your boathouse.

• Doors: Weatherstrip the doors of your boathouse, ensuring that they are devoid of any cracks or leaks.

• Floors: Ensure the floors of your boathouse are properly insulated and drought-proof.

• Heating/cooling systems: ​1) have a technician control the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems to ensure you are not using more energy than needed due to a possibly malfunctioning system, 2) find the warmest/coolest temperatures that your club members are comfortable with and ensure your heating/cooling systems do not work in overdrive.

• Thermostat: Install a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature in your boathouse.

• Transportation: Instead of driving to your boathouse, either: 1) take public transportation, 2) carpool with other club members, 3) cycle, 4) walk, or 5) switch to an electric vehicle or hybrid. If you have no alternative to taking a regular car, make sure to 1) keep your car in shape and drive responsibly to reduce excessive gas emissions, and 2) plan efficiently to reduce the number of trips you take.