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2009 Lionel Munk Award Introduces Green Criteria

The prestigious Lionel Munk Award that is presented each year by the IWA (Inland Waterways Association) to the best commercially built boat, introduced a new ‘Green criteria’ to its judging process this year with a helping hand from The Green Blue.

Alongside the existing criteria which looks for innovative features, workmanship and boat handling, the ‘Green criteria’ looked for the environmental measures that the boat builders had incorporated.

Following scrutinisation from the judging panel at the IWA festiva,l held at Ratcliff on Soar over the August Bank Holiday weekend, it was Caulden Boats of Stoke on Trent's boat ‘Fiddlesticks Free’ that clinched the title of ‘Best Boat in Show’ and the coveted trophy.

Darren Barker from Caulden Boats said: “We are absolutely delighted to be chosen as best boat in show.  Many of the new environmental measures added to the build were easy and relatively cheap to include, and getting this kind of recognition is a wonderful.”

Features on board ‘Fiddlesticks Free’ included; adding connectors for solar panels and wind turbines so that customers can retro fit these if desired, fitting recycling bins in the galley and providing gas filled double glazed windows. Caulden boats also used water based paints, FSC accredited wood, energy efficient radiators and natural stone products; as well as promoting the use of environmental friendly cleaning products to new boat owners.

“Ideas such as fitting LED lights and mirrors mean that less energy is required to power the lights and the additional mirrors bounce light around meaning, less bulbs are needed”, commented Darren.

Kate Moore, who judged the environmental criteria on behalf of The Green Blue said: “It is excellent to see so many good environmental ideas in use and is extremely encouraging that Inland Boat Builders are very keen to make their businesses as sustainable as possible. With so many good ideas it made the judging very difficult.”

To find out more about Cauldon Boat Builders please telephone: 07949 020180

Source: The Green Blue 08/09/09