GEO Certification
Golfbaan de Rottebergen
Bergschenhoek, Netherlands
Verification Report
Guido Hamelink, GEO Accredited Verifier October 16, 2009Executive Summary
Golf course Rottebergen is located in the High and Low Bergsche forest that is part of an elongated recreation area between the municipalities Lansingerland and Rotterdam. At first sight, because the golf course is located on a rubble landfill, the facility has little potential for nature. However, we see a wide variety of plant and animal species including several red list species. By introducing dry grasses and a modern irrigation system the facility tries to minimize water consumption. Local environmental groups are involved in the maintenance off the golf course. The dialogue between the various parties, the enthusiasm for the project through various reports and reporting is sufficient basis for further certification and sustainable development.
Local Translation
Golfbaan De Rottebergen is gelegen in het Hoge- en Lage Bergsche bos dat deel uitmaakt van een langgerekt recreatiegebied tussen de gemeenten Lansingerland en Rotterdam. Op het eerste gezicht zou de golfbaan vanwege de ligging op een puinstort weinig potentie hebben voor natuurontwikkeling. Kijken we echter beter, dan zien we een grote verscheidenheid aan plant- en diersoorten met daaronder diverse rode lijstsoorten. Door het introduceren van droogteminnende grassoorten en een modern irrigatiesysteem wordt getracht de waterconsumptie te minimaliseren. Er is veel aandacht voor de golfbaan vanuit natuurverenigingen in de omgeving en er wordt ook de ruimte gegeven aan hen zich te mengen in het natuurbeheer. Door de samenspraak tussen de diverse partijen, de enthousiasme voor het project en verslaglegging via diverse rapportages is er genoeg basis voor certificering en een verdere duurzame ontwikkeling.
Scope of Application
Golfbaan de Rottebergen consists of:
Courses
- Golfbaan De Rottebergen (18 holes)
Clubhouses
- Golfclub De Hooge Bergsche
Maintenance Facilities
Other
- Pro Shop
- Practice Facilities
- On Course Toilet Facilities
Observations
Nature
In 2008 there were 86 birds and 21 species of butterflies observed. This diversity of species, plants and animals, is due to the variety of gradients and ecotopes. The golf course is an important link between two nature reserves therefore the course has the function as steppingstone. There is an extensive monitoring plan for the different groups of animal species, like birds, mammals, butterflies, insects and invertebrates. This diversity is achieved by including the different gradients and ecotopes as rough, water, forest and grassland. In the coming years there are various measures planed to expand the areas rough and reeds. Current treatment is purely from a raise of biodiversity. The facility might increase the results by choosing more specific target species to keep an eye on the desired effect.
Landscape & Heritage
The golf course is located in the peat lakes region, an area where in the past the peat was removed and subsequently drained (18th century). For the reclamation windmills were used. Mills that probably have been on the grounds of the golf course. The landscape has changed significantly in relation to a century ago by the construction of the landfill debris. Feeling with the present landscape is therefore limited. It would be good to get this relationship by referring to certain elements in the field. We think for example of the mills that have made possible the reclamation. Regarding the design of the golf course it is likely that the growth of poplar thickets and a part of the sight lines is lost. It would be an enrichment for the job when this attention.
Water
The surface on the golf course is located in connection with the water from areas that are close situated. Trough the introduction of dry grass species and a modern irrigation system the club is attempting to minimize water consumption. The water quality is under strong pressure by the intensive glasshouse crops and farming. Over recent decades, the water quality has been improved. Introduction of new techniques to recycle water, for example, the use of rainwater for sanitary, brings in new options. These techniques can be examined on usability, and be introduced n the club House renovation.
Turf
A consistent high quality of game elements is essential for the club. The desire to have a very constant playing quality greens makes it difficult to experiment with, for example, a reduction of fertilizers. On the other hand, there is at least made use of such additions, and there is a choice for grass species as Fescue and Browntop bent on the greens. The rough and semi rough are not being fertilized . By sufficient maintenance like aerating and sand dressing are diseases, and fungi being held as much as possible. Insecticides aren’t used at all. Pest and disease control are applied only in exceptional cases and only on an remedial base.
Waste
The golf course provides a separation of various waste streams. Recent years the greenkeeping changed from dumping green waste to the collection and partial removal of it. Branches and other remains are used for making shelters and natural secretions. The storing of hazardous products meets the environmental laws. There is an facility to clean machines and equipment provided with an oil and grease trap.
Energy
The golf course is trying to be energy efficient in so far as that is currently possible. The club’s building’s will be redeveloped in the near future. There are great ambitions for this renovation to implement sustainable measures such as solar panels. Up to that point will be placed HR boilers and low energy light bulbs are used.
Education & awareness
For the operation of machinery and the use of materials the green keepers are equipped with the appropriate knowledge and certificates. With regard to the environment, knowledge is regularly brought through training, and also by the Commission that accompanied the certification. There is an reading on a regular basis on the natural environment on the golf course. There also is collaboration with local conservation groups and the local municipality. In addition, communicate about these issues occurs through newsletters, and other available means. The local conservation groups also provides educational trips on the golf course for people that are living in the area. Trough brochures, posters, smart boards and panels further information is available about sustainable management.
Management planning
There has been attention for sustainable management over a long time, in particular the nature conservation part. Which resulted in the Committed to Green certificate in the year 2008. In consultation with the management, the contractor and the Wildlife Working Group, there is being an constant examination held on how to realize the best way of nature conservation. The responsible contractor has both a ISO 9001 and 14001 certification, and sees the importance of good and lasting maintenance. The Commission consists of representatives of the owners organization, the Golf Club de Hooge Bergsche, the local bird conservation organization Natuur- en vogelwacht Rotta, and the contractor A.H.A. de Man.
Documentation Reviewed
- Environmental policy
- Environmental management plan
- Action plans & project proposals
- Certification report
- Minutes of meetings
- Newsletters
- External surveys and reports
- Internal reports
- Emergency incident plan
- Environmental data
- Register of accidents
- Training log
- Awareness raising materials
Conclusions
Golf course Rottebergen is located in the High and Low Bergsche forest that is part of an elongated recreation area between the municipalities Lansingerland and Rotterdam. At first sight, because the golf course is located on a rubble landfill, the facility has little potential for nature. However, we see a wide variety of plant and animal species including several red list species. By introducing dry grasses and a modern irrigation system the facility tries to minimize water consumption. Local environmental groups are involved in the maintenance off the golf course. The dialogue between the various parties, the enthusiasm for the project through various reports and reporting is sufficient basis for further certification and sustainable development.
Recommendation
I Guido Hamelink, Golf Environment Organization Accredited Verifier, recommend that Golfbaan de Rottebergen be awarded GEO Certified status for excellence in environmental management.
About this Report
This report represents the opinion of an independent environmental professional accredited by the Golf Environment Organization. The environmental performance of Golfbaan de Rottebergen was assessed against the GEO Certification criteria: http://www.golfenvironment.org/about-certification/
