A Q&A with Growing Decks Co-Founder Michael
Sustainability in yachting isn’t just about what you see on deck. Some of the biggest environmental wins happen out of sight – deep in engine rooms, system layouts, and operational decisions made long before a yacht ever leaves the dock.
We sat down with Michael, co-founder of Growing Decks and a long-time yacht engineer, to talk about how smarter engineering, responsible material choices, and better fuel use can significantly reduce yachting’s environmental footprint – without compromising performance or reliability.
From an engineering perspective, where are the biggest opportunities to reduce environmental impact on yachts?
Efficiency is where it all starts. A yacht’s environmental impact is rarely driven by one bad decision; it’s usually the result of many small inefficiencies stacking up. Propulsion, power generation, hull condition, and hotel loads all influence fuel burn and emissions. When engineers look at the yacht as a complete energy system rather than a collection of parts, real reductions become possible.
Fuel consumption is one of the largest contributors to a yacht’s footprint. Where can engineering make the biggest difference?
Surprisingly often, it’s about how yachts are used, not how they’re built. Engines and generators regularly run far outside their optimal load ranges, burning more fuel than necessary and accelerating wear. Smarter system sizing, better automation, and informed operational choices – like optimized cruising speeds – can cut fuel consumption significantly without compromising the yachting experience.
Can sustainability and performance really coexist?
Absolutely. In fact, they usually reinforce each other. Efficient systems tend to run cleaner, cooler, and under less stress. That means better reliability, longer service intervals, and fewer failures. Good engineering doesn’t add complexity for the sake of being “green”; it simplifies, optimizes, and makes yachts easier to operate while quietly reducing their environmental impact.
What’s one practical step owners or operators can take right now?
Start with data. Monitoring real fuel burn, engine loads, and power demand quickly reveals where energy is being wasted. Often, simple adjustments such as generator scheduling, maintenance routines, or minor operational changes deliver immediate savings. Sustainability doesn’t always require new technology; it often starts with using existing systems properly.
Growing Decks also focuses on materials, particularly teak. Why does that matter?
Teak has become a symbol of luxury in yachting, but its origins are often uncomfortable. Too much teak still comes from poorly controlled or outright dubious sources, with little regard for long-term forest health. That’s something that has bothered me for years.
At Growing Decks, the idea is simple: if teak is used, it must be responsibly sourced, and trees must be replaced. Decks should not come at the expense of ecosystems. Replacing what is used, with transparency and long-term commitment, isn’t a marketing add-on; it’s a responsibility.
Engineering Discipline and Environmental Responsibility
Reducing environmental impact in yachting doesn’t require sacrificing performance, comfort, or reliability. It requires better decisions – technical, operational, and material – made with long-term thinking.
At Growing Decks, sustainability isn’t a trend. It’s engineering discipline combined with environmental responsibility. From fuel efficiency to material accountability, real change happens when expertise meets accountability – one smart decision at a time.
