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GEO outlines emissions challenge in sustainable golf drive
Scotland-based GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation has outlined the importance of collaboration and leadership in delivering sustainable golf events, as well as the significant challenge of reducing carbon emissions, in a newly published outlook paper.
GEO, a not-for-profit that is active in more than 75 countries, published the paper to mark the conclusion of Scotland’s ‘Summer of Golf’. This schedule included five high-profile events – all staged at venues that are certified by GEO for their leadership in sustainable golf practices – and headlined by the 152nd Open at Royal Troon in Ayrshire in July.
GEO highlighted how a commitment to delivering responsible tournaments brings ‘significant environmental, investment and reputational opportunities’. However, the foundation acknowledged in the paper how there are clear challenges from a cost perspective.
Specifically, the paper highlighted how efforts to reduce carbon emissions from player travel and haulage, as well as ensure all energy is sourced from low carbon, non-fossil fuels, are ‘challenging to… make happen, with high significance’.
Interestingly, ‘more visible and influential player led advocacy’ also fell into the same category, while the hardest issue to avoid and the most significant in scale is carbon emissions from fan travel.
“One of the biggest sustainability challenges for any event is carbon emissions, stemming primarily from spectator, organiser and player travel to and from the venue,” Jonathan Smith, Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation, said.
“Alongside some other areas of resource and materials consumption, these are arguably the largest negative impacts arising from temporary events. They are challenges that require a long-term, multi-stakeholder approach to address – challenges that we all must rise to meet.”
In contrast, a number of aims are already generally being delivered or are within reach and budget. These include achieving zero waste to landfill and incineration, removal of all single use plastics, protection and restoration of nature on and around venues, and on-site education and engagement for spectators.
Alan Grant, GEO Foundation Director of Partnerships & Engagement, added: “What strikes me as critical — be it a national amateur or an event of international standing like the Genesis Scottish Open — is the commitment from organisers to take further actions toward sustainability. That’s the very first step.
“Yet stakeholders today understand the corresponding, long-term benefits: all manner of employment, revenue for individuals and small businesses, tourism and infrastructure investments, education and charitable giving. More and more, corporate sponsors and government entities are the ones bringing these sustainability goals to the table.”
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