News article
VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open achieves major sustainability certification
The 2023 VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open has become a GEO Certified Tournament, the second on the Ladies European Tour to do so after the 2022 Women’s Scottish Open.
Played at the Migros Golfpark Holzhäusern near Zug, Switzerland, since 2020, the golf tournament is also the first Ladies European Tour event to achieve the certification in continental Europe.
Overseen by GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, the certification reflects the tournament’s commitment to sustainability throughout planning, staging and legacy. The criteria assesses understanding, actions, and ongoing improvement across key sustainability aspects of golf events, such as energy, water, waste management, transportation, site preservation, and procurement. Additionally, GEO considers improvements laid out for future events.
The certification also considers the social value of the event, with a focus on fundraising, youth promotion and involvement of stakeholders, awareness initiatives and more.
To achieve the certification, the event was powered 100% by grid electricity from renewable sources; food was sourced from local businesses and all catering utilised reusable tableware, with waste processed by Migros; spectators were encouraged to attend the event via public transport and walking; and a focus was placed on protecting nature, community initiatives and making golf as accessible as possible.
“Obtaining the GEO certification marks an important step in the implementation of concrete action plans and helps to reinforce the credibility and visibility of sustainable development in our sport.”
Roman Ziegler, Chief Executive of Migros Golf AG, commented: “Together with our partners, it is our clear ambition to develop the VP Bank Swiss Ladies further and lift its quality and impact continuously to another level. The GEO certification therefore is a great milestone and a huge motivation at the same time.”
The national golf body Swiss Golf is aiming to have all golf courses GEO certified by 2027.
“We are delighted that the most important professional golf tournament for women in Switzerland has made a formal commitment to continuous improvement in the ecological, economic, and social aspects of its activities,” said Michel Follonier, Swiss Golf Director.
“Obtaining the GEO certification marks an important step in the implementation of concrete action plans and helps to reinforce the credibility and visibility of sustainable development in our sport.”