The Moorings, Sunsail, and Footloose Sailing Charters breaks ground on the new LEED-certified headquarters in Clearwater, Fla.

Yacht Charter Company Goes Green

The sailing vacations brands The Moorings, Sunsail, and Footloose Sailing Charters are developing a new LEED-certified headquarters in Clearwater, Fla.

Partnering with developers Hallmark Development of Florida, builders The Murray Company and architects Collman & Karsky, the healthy design, using recycled and low-toxicity materials, is expected to be the first building in Clearwater to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to the charter firms.

LEED scores buildings for innovation, recycling, materials, community impact, energy efficiency and water use. The $2.8 million building, which is due to open in May 2008, contains many green features, such as room lighting that turns off when not in use, tinted windows that maximize natural light block heat and low-flow faucets in the restrooms. Wall coverings, work stations and flooring are chosen for their low toxicity and high recycled or post consumer content. Proximity to public transport, bike racks and onsite showers encourage people not to drive, while fuel-efficient cars benefit from priority parking.

"By its nature, sailing is a green vacation choice, and this development is an extension of our worldwide environmental policy, spearheaded by our largest base in the British Virgin Islands, with improvements in marina water quality, recycling of grey water and prevention of pollution during yacht maintenance," said Lex Raas, president of the charter company.

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