Belas Clube de Campo
The Belas Clube de Campo is a residential golf complex with an 18-hole golf course. The golf course was designed by William “Rocky” Roquemore and was inaugurated in 1998. The golf course is a “Championship Golf Course” incorporating an excellent layout with fairways and greens situated in deep valleys providing exceptional views of the local landscape. The different features of the golf course were defined at the outset to take a low environmental impact, e.g. the golf course was designed to take advantage of the water runoff and seepage from irrigation and precipitation, ie, all...
Alexandra Almeida, GEOSA, Accredited Verifier
GEO Certified™ Report
Publication of this report confirms that Belas Clube de Campo has been assessed against the GEO OnCourse™ Evaluation Criteria and awarded the GEO Certified™ ecolabel.
Each section of this report describes the sustainable golf course management activities being undertaken by the management team at Belas Clube de Campo, across the following areas:
Landscape & Ecosystems; Water; Energy & Resources; Products & Supply Chains; Environmental Quality and People & Communities.
Facility Details
Belas Clube de Campo is a private, daily-fee golf facility comprising:
Courses
- Belas Clube de Campo (18 holes, 6109 Metres, Year of opening: 1997)
Clubhouses
- Belas Clube de Campo, Year of opening: 1997
Maintenance Facilities
- Casa da Manutenção
Other
- Pro Shop
- Facilities
- On Course WC
- Restaurant, Lounge area
Landscape & Ecosystems
The golf course is part of a mountain area with little urban occupation, that was composed of dense scrub and few areas of woodland, with some small water lines. Currently there are more trees that were planted in the area of the golf course and its surroundings. The dominant feature of the landscape has changed from the undergrowth to a more wooded landscape.
The golf course is in a valley, with open views. At certain points of the golf course, it is possible to visualize almost the entire course.
In this area still face a variety of fauna and flora, due to low urban occupancy. The golf course is part of a region of the outskirts of Lisbon, close to a typical rural village. In this region remain rural activities and festivities very old and typical. The lifestyle of people in the region, although modern, has some aspects associated with rural and genuine areas.
Belas Clube de Campo has the following key objectives for maximizing its ecological value: Maintain the areas that are not occupied by constructions; give conditions for animals and plants for a healthy development; increasing the number of nests for birds; involve community residents in the area of the golf course in matters of nature.
Awareness through Belas Clube de Campo Newsletter and press releases.
Consultation & Surveys
Belas Clube de Campo consults the following organizations regarding landscape heritage conservation:
- Associação de Defesa do património de Sintra (ADPS)
The following landscape assessments and surveys have been undertaken at Belas Clube de Campo:
| Landscape - Environmental impact Assessment | IPA | 1993-11-25 | EIA 1ª Fase Resumo.PDF |
| Landscape Assessment - Environmental impact Assessment | IPA | 1997-11-25 | EIA 2ª Fase Resumo Não Técnico.PDF |
| Title | Author | Date | View Document |
|---|
Belas Clube de Campo consults the following organizations regarding ecosystem protection and enhancement:
- Confederação Portuguesa das Associações de Defesa do Ambiente
- Laboratório Nacional de Investigação Veterinária (LNIV)
The following ecological surveys have been undertaken at Belas Clube de Campo:
| Botanical survey | Mãe d'Água Company (Dr. Renato Neves) | 2002-02-11 | Lavantamento Fauna e Flora.PDF |
| Birds | Mãe d'Água Company (Dr. Renato Neves) | 2002-02-11 | Fauna e Flora - Levantamento.PDF |
| Mammals | Mãe d'Água Company (Dr. Renato Neves) | 2002-02-11 | Fauna e Flora - Levantamento.doc |
| Invertebrates | Mãe d'Água Company (Dr. Renato Neves) | 2002-02-11 | Fauna e Flora - Levantamento.doc |
| Amphibians | Mãe d'Água Company (Dr. Renato Neves) | 2002-02-11 | Fauna e Flora - Levantamento.doc |
| Title | Author | Date | View Document |
|---|
Rare, protected and notable species occurring at Belas Clube de Campo:
| Garça Cinzenta | Ardea cinerea |
| Águia-de-asa-redonda | Buteo buteo |
| Perdiz-vermelha | Alectoris rufa |
| Raposa | Vulpes vulpes |
| Texugo | Meles meles |
| Cobra-de-ferradura | Coluber hippocrepis |
| Cobra-rateira | Malpolon monspessulanus |
Belas Clube de Campo does not monitor any species as indicators of environmental quality.
Habitats & Designations
Belas Clube de Campo does not feature any landscape designations.
Area of habitats / vegetation types, and associated designations at Belas Clube de Campo:
| Scrub Vegetation | 10 ha | None |
| Open Water Features | 1 ha | None |
Turfgrass
Size and estimated species composition of amenity turfgrass maintained at Belas Clube de Campo:
| Area (Hectares) | Turfgrass Species | Sward Composition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greens | 1 | Agrostis stolonifera | 100 % |
| Tees | 1 | Agrostis stolonifera | 100 % |
| Fairways | 15 | Agrostis stolonifera | 100 % |
| Semi-Rough | 2 | Lolium perenne | 50 % |
| Poa pratensis | 50 % | ||
| Rough | 16 | Lolium perenne | 50 % |
| Poa pratensis | 50 % | ||
| Other | Lolium perenne | 50 % | |
| Poa pratensis | 50 % | ||
These turfgrasses are optimal for the circumstances at Belas Clube de Campo because:
The grass was chosen according to the maximum water efficiency for the region's golf course. Cultural practices are selected according to the needs of the grass and avoiding the use of chemicals.
The type of grass was also chosen taking into account the quality of play and visual appearance, remaining green throughout the year.
Belas Clube de Campo assesses mowing patterns:
Every 1 Years
Belas Clube de Campo does not consult any individuals or organizations regarding its grassing plan.
Belas Clube de Campo is making the following efforts to manage the playing quality expectations of customers:
| Establishing clear internal policies for irrigation, fertilization, colour, cutting heights, overseeding etc | The grass characteristics are regularly set by the Administration and Golf Department. All procedures for irrigation, fertilization, cutting heights and application of chemicals are documented in the Procedures Manual, available to all employees. |
| Promoting the playing quality values of more naturalized turf, particularly fairways and semi-rough | The different types of the golf course grass are kept in a sustained manner, using lower levels of maintenance trying to make it more naturalized such as replacing the application of chemicals for farming operations while maintaining quality. |
| Promoting the financial benefits of presenting sustainable surfaces | Are regularly presented to top management the economic benefits of maintaining a sustainable turf, including the reduction of costs in fertilizers, chemicals, fuels, among others. |
| Improving customer understanding around greens maintenance |
Players are aware of this type of maintenance through the golf reception and the newsletter of Belas Clube de Campo and daily we demonstrate that the quality levels are maintained. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Conservation & Enhancement
Belas Clube de Campo is undertaking the following activities to conserve and enhance landscape character:
| Allowing seasonal variation of course colouration and texture | Yes, in certain periods of the year, the grass may not have the desired color from the viewpoint of the player, for reasons of minimizing maintenance, the chemical application or the irrigation. |
| Discreet on-course signage and furniture | Any signage and furniture from the golf course is very discreet and appropriate for the area where it is. The furniture is mostly made up of wood. |
| Conservation of specimin trees | All trees and vegetation of the golf course is protected and the species planted are indigenous. |
| Screening and softening unsightly man-made features | In the entire area of the golf course, we avoid the execution of heavy construction. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Belas Clube de Campo is undertaking the following activities to improve the landscape ecology of the golf course:
| Minimizing the amount of amenity grass | Just playing areas of the golf course has grass. The remaining areas consist of vegetation of the region. |
| Increasing the size of habitat patches | All areas of natural vegetation are kept intact in order to promote the species' habitat. For example, the vegetation is not cut around the lakes to keep the nesting areas of birds. |
| Connection of internal habitat patches | The patches of habitat within the golf course are linked together, with no roads or break between the habits that prevent species from moving freely. |
| Connection of patches with external habitats | The golf course has no fence around its perimeter. The golf course is tottaly linked with the surrounding forest areas. |
| Creation of habitat corridors | There are corridores betwwen all the habitat patches. |
| Avoidance of habitat fragmentation | All sensitive areas of habitat are left intact and are not the target of any intervention, preventing its destruction or fragmentation. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Belas Clube de Campo is undertaking the following activities to improve the quality of habitats on the golf course:
| Ecologically informed management of scrub vegetation | The management of the golf course has the perfect idea of the importance of the original scrub vegetation and these areas were maintained during the construction of the golf course and are currently held in their exploration phase |
| Maintenance of an appropriate balance of open water and aquatic vegetation | The aquatic vegetation existing in the four lakes and the main water line to the golf course is managed so that there is an equilibrium between its utility and maintenance of water quality |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Belas Clube de Campo is undertaking the following activities to conserve and enhance biodiversity on the golf course:
| Provision of nesting and nectar for pollinators | Vegetation areas are kept in nesting areas and are planted various species of flowers that help pollination by insects. |
| Installation of nest boxes | Were installed in two lakes of the golf course artificial islands for nesting avifauna and 20 nests were installed in the trees of the golf course for the birds. |
| Provision of feeding tables | Devices have been installed on the golf course with food to feed the partridges, and other birds. |
| Control / management of alien species | All invasive species are controlled, as well as animals that call into question the balance of the ecosystem, such as wild dogs. |
| Protection of vegetation for nesting | Dense vegetation is maintained in areas of lakes and other areas in order to provide shelter and food to animals. |
| Protection of the area as non-hunting | Whole golf course area and surrounding territory that belongs to the company were classified as non-hunting area. There is a surveillance of the security company in the entire area surrounding the golf course, avoiding the occurrence of hunting |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Water
The golf course is supplied with water from 5 wells to capture groundwater. The water holes supply the 4 lakes, which serve as reservoir. The wells are licensed and quantities of water abstracted, are declared to the authorities, in accordance with the Portuguese law. The level of groundwater wells are monitored monthly, demonstrating that the values remain stable over the past years.
The golf course is designed to take advantage of the water runoff and seepage from irrigation and precipitation, ie, all the water runoff is diverted to the lakes and re-use in irrigation of golf. This allows a high rate of water reuse.
Analyses are made to water, showing its good quality for irrigation. The irrigation system is fully computerized, allowing for efficient programming, according to meteorological records of existing weather station.
We use the best practices in irrigation, such as a direct observation of the dry areas of the field, which allows a local irrigation, instead of a global irrigation. All employees involved in water management are receiving training on these issues
The golf course has an employee whose function is exclusively dedicated to irrigation, allowing for optimization of water consumption. All years are set objectives and targets to reduce water consumption, based on all measurements of consumption. These measurements are taken monthly and counters are installed in all sectors of the golf.
Sources & Consumption
The following water audits have been undertaken at Belas Clube de Campo:
| Prospecção e Captação de ÁGua Subterrânea Para o Belas Clube de Campo | Augusto Marques da Costa | 1995-11-26 | Relatório Final da Prospecção e Captação de Água.pdf |
| Avaliação das Necessidades da Rega do Campo de Golfe | Daniel Ribeiro | 2010-11-26 | Necessidade Rega DR 2002.pdf |
| Title | Author | Date | View Document |
|---|
The water used at Belas Clube de Campo is drawn from the following sources:
| 2009 | Sources | % of supply | Total Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clubhouse | Public / Potable | 100 | 568,000 Litres |
| Golf Course | Groundwater | 85 | 306,257,000 Litres |
| Surface | 15 | ||
| Maintenance Facility | Public / Potable | 100 | 752,000 Litres |
| 2008 | Sources | % of supply | Total Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clubhouse | Public / Potable | 100 | 1,115,000 Litres |
| Golf Course | Groundwater | 93 | 317,120,000 Litres |
| Surface | 7 | ||
| Maintenance Facility | Public / Potable | 100 | 974,000 Litres |
Irrigation & Efficiency
The following areas receive irrigation at Belas Clube de Campo:
| Greens | Daily |
| Tees | Daily |
| Fairways | Daily |
| Semi-Rough | Daily |
| Rough | Daily |
| *The above information relates to the period of summer | |
The irrigation system at Belas Clube de Campo is:
Fully computer controlled
Serviced every 2 Years
Upgraded every 5 Year(s)
Belas Clube de Campo is undertaking the following activities to maximize irrigation efficiency:
| Selection of grass species | The grass species selected is suitable for the golf course climate region. The selected species are indigenous, but were improved in college, to be more resistant. It is noted that the golf course is not watered for 3 or 4 months of the year. |
| Soil decompaction and thatch management |
Various operations are performed during the year to decompact the soil. We held an annual scarification to combat thatch and aeration of fairways and greens, tees and fairways. Scarification is also conducted on the greens 8 times per year. |
| Timing and dose of water application |
The irrigation system is computerized, where you can set the watering times as well as the amount of water applied. The watering is done at night and only once a day during the Summer. The percentage of irrigation is defined according to the weather conditions. |
| Analysis of soil moisture | To check soil moisture, only takes a daily visual inspection, performed by the employee responsible for watering the golf course. |
| Incorporation of evapotranspiration rates and weather data | The golf course has a weather station with all the atmospheric data, such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed and direction, humidity, solar radiation, evapotranspiration, ... that are used in setting the daily watering |
| Use of wetting agents | Yes, starting in the Spring, wetting agents are applied, especially on the greens. Occasionally we also apply wetting agents in the fairways |
| Targeting of sprinkler heads |
Yes, the direction of spriklers and its target is evaluated daily by visual inspection. Thus, regularly we replace full-circle sprinklers for half-circle sprinklers, to avoid irrigate unnecessary areas. |
| Optimizing system pressure | Yes, the system pressure is optimized for the amount of water needed to irrigate the entire area of the golf course. There is an electronically controll in the \"Pump House\" that keeps constant pressure between 9 and 10 kg's/cm2. |
| Adoption of cutting edge nozzle technology | Yes, we use cutting edge technology to irrigate the golf course, because the sprinklers are golf sprinklers (Rainbird, ...). |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Belas Clube de Campo is undertaking the following activities to conserve / reduce / minimise water consumption:
| Low-flow urinals and toilets | All urinals and toilets in the bathrooms both for users of the golf course and employees are low-flow urinols. |
| Use of water efficient applicances | All taps have a flow-reduction system and sensors for use. |
| Use of efficient shower technology | In showers of golfers and our employees have been installed flow reducers. |
| Repairing leaks | One of the daily functions of an employee of the golf course is the assessment, detection and repair of leaks. |
| Water awareness signage | No signs for water saving, but in everyday life and in training, all employees are aware of water saving. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Energy & Resources
In the golf course, the primary energy used is electricity for pumping water from boreholes, for irrigation, for Maintenance, Clubhouse (shop, restaurant and reception), buggies and other administrative facilities. Natural gas is also used in the restaurant kitchen and water heating. The equipment maintenance, such as vehicles and mowing machines are fueled with gasoline and diesel. We also installed two photovoltaic units, whose energy is sold to the electricity company and injected in the grid electric. The Maintenance Building and Clubhouse has also solar thermal panels for water heating for showers.
Energy management is performed in a manner appropriate for the purpose of energy efficiency. Every year, we set objectives and targets to reduce energy consumption, based on all measurements of consumption. These measurements are taken monthly and internal counters are installed in all sectors of the golf.
In 2010 we carried out a study calculating the carbon footprint of the golf course, done by a specialist company. Data cover the years 2009 and 2008.
Both buildings on the golf course, the Maintenance and Clubhouse are energy certified in accordance with current legislation. We have signed a protocol with the Municipal Energy Agency of Sintra, in support for energy efficiency issues
Belas Clube de Campo has the following key objectives for reducing energy use and moving towards cleaner and renewable energy supplies: optimize energy consumption; find new cleaner energy solutions; awareness of all stakeholders in energy consumption.
Sources & Consumption
The following energy surveys have been undertaken at Belas Clube de Campo:
| Energy Audit - Análise dos terifários dos contratos de fornecimento de Emergia eléctrica no Belas Clube de Campo | Agência Municipal de Energia de Sintra | 2009-03-13 | Análise dos Tarifários dos Contratos de Fornecimento de Energia Eléctrica no BCC - AMES.PDF |
| Energy Audit - Análise de tarifas, potências e consumos de energia eléctrica | AREAL | 2010-11-25 | Análise de Tarifas, Potências e Consumos de Energia Eléctrica - AREAL.PDF |
| Energy Audit | Home Energy | 2010-11-25 | |
| Title | Author | Date | View Document |
|---|
Consumption of renewable energy and resources at Belas Clube de Campo:
| 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14516 |
Consumption of non-renewable energy and resources at Belas Clube de Campo:
| 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 838240 | 724617 | ||
| 10928 | 12599 | ||
| 6779 | 6171 | ||
| 6061 | 6791 | ||
| 306 | 389 |
Energy Efficiency
Belas Clube de Campo is undertaking the following activities to diversify energy and fuel supply:
| Adoption of green tariff grid supply | Only after 2010, the Portuguese Electricity Company (EDP) provides the percentage of electricity generation that comes from renewables energies, which will be around 26%. |
| Installation of photovoltaic and / or solar panels | We installed two photovoltaic units, whose energy is sold to the electricity company and injected in the electric netwaork. The Maintenance Building and Clubhouse has also solar thermal panels for water heating for showers. |
| Use of biodiesel and /or ethanol | Our vehicles don't run on biodiesel, but the used food oil from Belas Clube de Campo is collected and sent to the production of biodiesel for use in municipal vehicles |
| Use of electric hybrid vehicles |
All buggies for golf players are electric. We purchased two hybrid cars from Honda brand to employees of Golf. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Belas Clube de Campo is undertaking the following activities to reduce energy consumption:
| Investment in low-energy heating and air conditioning systems | The air conditioners installed recently have inverter technology and we give priority to equipment with a high level of COP and EER. |
| Enhancement of natural ventilation opportunities | All the rooms of the facilities of the golf course have windows fully open, whose users are sensitized to open regularly. |
| Use of natural light (e.g. sunlight pipes) | In the Maintenance Building, sunlight pipes were installed in inside areas and all offices have access to natural light, as they have windows. |
| Installation of low-energy lighting | All lamps of the facilities of the golf course were replaced with low energy bulbs, including some lighting with LEDs. |
| Use of motion sensor lighting | Installation of lighting sensors in some sections of our Administrative facilities and WC's. |
| Transition to energy efficient appliances | Yes, the goals and targets for the golf course are set annually to improve the equipment and its energy efficiency such as lamps, sensors, lamps for lighting area, etc. ... |
| Use of timers with appliances, heating and lighting | Yes, some of the equipment have timers so as to regulate the supply of energy, such as in air conditioning, the load of buggies, the lighting of the driving range, among others. |
| Educating staff and customers | All employees are aware of the issues of energy efficiency in annual various training courses. |
| Refurbishment of electrical switchboards | All electric panels were refurbished and correctly identified all electrical installation, to allow a more user-friendly to all, ensuring a proper management of consumption. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Vehicles & Transport
The maintenance fleet at Belas Clube de Campo uses the following fuel sources:
| Ride-on Mowers | Walking Mowers | Utility Vehicles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17% | 100% | 50% | |
| 83% | 50% | ||
Additional vehicles operated by Belas Clube de Campo use the following fuel sources:
| Golf Carts | Cars | Buses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | 100% | ||
| 100% | |||
| 50% | |||
Belas Clube de Campo has established the following schemes to encourage reductions in staff and customer transport emissions:
| Car sharing incentives | Yes, indications are given to all employees and customers of Belas Clube de Campo to car sharing. |
| Group transportation (e.g. buses) | Yes, it was created two shuttle services of Belas Clube de Campo. One of the shuttles is the link between the golf course and the nearest subway station. The second bus was created to transport the employees of Belas Clube de campo for their homes. |
| Secure cycle parking | In the Belas Clube de Campo there are bike paths throughout the resort and there are several parking facilities for bicycles. |
| Promoting public transport routes and timetables | Besides the shuttles mentioned, the golf course is served by public transport, particularly by the region's bus company, which has several links to the course. Shelters were constructed at bus stops and timetables are easily available to everyone. |
| Increasing equipment storage (e.g. lockers) | Yes, all employees of the golf course have the option of using lockers or places to store their equipment. |
| Staff showers | Yes, in both buildings of the golf course, there are changing rooms and showers for all employees who want to use. |
| Promotion of walk to work campaigns | All employees are aware of to do on foot, all travels within the Belas Clube de Campo. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Products & Supply Chains
The golf course gives much importance to the environmental awareness of their suppliers and carry out an effective evaluation and selection of all of them.
Belas Clube de Campo informs all suppliers of its environmental preferences: we sent to all providers the Golf Course Quality and Environment Policy and environmental requirements are communicated, when necessary; they are also informed that it is performed a selection of suppliers, where the environmental requirements are included.
The control of pests and diseases through the application of plant protection is only used curative rather than preventive mode. These products are applied only when the grass does not fight the disease in a natural way.
The golf course has clearly defined who is responsible for deciding the application of chemicals, which are prepared and implemented by staff with expertise and training for this action.
All waste produced in the golf course and other facilities envolver is managed according to the correct environmental procedures and the legislation. Waste is storage according to all safety and environmental issues and only authorized companies are allowed to collect, manage it and send it to authorized destinations. All the documents envolved in this process are issued and we keep all registers. All the waste data are organized and studied, allowing to manage them according to their production and their behaviour every year. Waste total numbers are declared to the authorities every year, according to the Portuguese legislation. Each year is given training in waste management to all employees.
Purchasing Policies
Belas Clube de Campo undertakes the following ethical / environmental purchasing activities:
| Use of local suppliers | In selecting suppliers, one of the most important issue and part of the written selection procedure of new suppliers is to choose local suppliers. We try to make all purchases from suppliers located as close to the golf course. |
| Use of local products | When buying products and materials for the golf course, we try as far as possible to purchase local materials. |
| Selection of certified products | In the evaluation and selection of suppliers and products, we choose whenever possible certified products either by product, or because the suppliers have Quality and Environment Management Systems. |
| Use of recycled and recyclable products | Yes, we always opt for recycled or recyclable materials such as paper, ink, wood for the course, among others |
| Use of accredited suppliers (e.g. ISO 14001) | Yes, a supplier accredited by ISO Rules is a factor we consider in all hiring and is part of the evaluation process and selection of suppliers. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Economic Multiplier
An overview of the supplier network at Belas Clube de Campo:
| Total number of suppliers | Total number of suppliers within 10 Kilometres | Total number of suppliers within 100 Kilometres | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 4 | 2 | |
| 20 | 10 | 6 | |
| 52 | 31 | 17 |
Turfgrass Inputs
Belas Clube de Campo undertakes the following IPM activities:
| Encouragin drought and disease tolerant grasses | Yes, the dominant species of grass Lollium we use on the golf course is very disease resistant. |
| Managing stress and wear | Yes. Players and buggies are regularly directed away from high traffic areas to minimize wear. |
| Enhancement of soil structure | Hollow Coring - once per year. |
| Optimization of the growing environment | For the growth of grass, try to give all the necessary conditions, namely adequate topsoil, fertilization necessary, among others. |
| Managing thatch levels | We held an annual scarification to combat thatch. |
| Managing surface moisture | In the morning when the greens are moist, they are cut or pass with a brush to remove surface water. |
| Establishing thresholds for pests and disease | Yes, limits are set for pest and diseases. For example, chemicals to the thatch are applied only in greens. In all the course, pesticides are used only in a healing and not preventive way, ie, ultimately. |
| Scouting for pests and diseases | The Greenkeeper or his assistant conduct a visual inspection daily, trying to detect pests and diseases. |
| Monitoring / improvement of plant health | Daily visual inspection. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Fertilizer use at Belas Clube de Campo in the last three years:
| 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic | Inorganic | Organic | Inorganic | Organic | Inorganic | ||
| Greens | N | 715 kg | 320 kg | ||||
| P | 164 kg | 75 kg | |||||
| K | 325 kg | 146 kg | |||||
| Tees | N | 341 kg | 1079 kg | ||||
| P | 78 kg | 673 kg | |||||
| K | 155 kg | 1409 kg | |||||
| Fairways | N | 3366 kg | 1976 kg | ||||
| P | 765 kg | 506 kg | |||||
| K | 1530 kg | 941 kg | |||||
| Rough | N | 1976 kg | |||||
| P | 506 kg | ||||||
| K | 941 kg | ||||||
Pesticide use at Belas Clube de Campo in the last three years:
| 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic | Inorganic | Organic | Inorganic | Organic | Inorganic | ||
| Greens | Fungicide | 108 kg | |||||
| Herbicide | 23 kg | ||||||
| Insecticide | 16 kg | ||||||
| Tees | Fungicide | ||||||
| Herbicide | 10 kg | ||||||
| Insecticide | 2 kg | ||||||
| Fairways | Fungicide | ||||||
| Herbicide | 6 kg | ||||||
| Insecticide | |||||||
Belas Clube de Campo undertakes the following actions to optimize pesticide use:
| Selection on the least toxic and lest persistant products | Low Toxicity, Persistence, Solubility and High Specificity (targeting only problem organisms) |
| Selection of appropriate products for specific pests and diseases | The products to be applied are chosen according to the cause of disease or pest. The decision is made by the Greenkeeper, which has expertise and training. The amounts used are also appropriate, in accordance with labeling and product specificities. |
| Calibration and testing of sprayers | Twice a year, sprayers are checked and calibrated. It is a test performed on an acre of grass and then tune up the nozzles of the equipment. |
| Non-chemical weed control | Manual methods of weed control is rare, but often catch up weeds by hand is made and in scarification, the weeds are also destroyed. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Waste Management
No waste audits have been undertaken at Belas Clube de Campo.
Belas Clube de Campo manages key waste streams as follows:
| Re-use | Recycle | Landfill | Incinerate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Belas Clube de Campo undertakes the following activities to continue the lifecycle of materials and resources:
| Separation of recyclable materials | All waste produced on the golf course are separated according to their nature. There are receptacles for all kinds of waste at all facilities, all employees and customers are encouraged to separate waste and quantities are recorded. |
| Establishment of recycling centers | We have established several recycling centers, where they are stored recyclable waste produced on the golf course. The waste is stored at the Maintenance building, where they are transported to the Belas Clube de Campo \"Waste Central\". Grass clippings are collected and transported to the Composting Central, where they are transformed into compost and used in the Belas Clube de Campo green areas. |
| Returning clipping to fairways and walkways | The clippins from the roughs are left where it was cut. |
| Education of staff and customer education | All users of the golf course as well as employees are aware of proper waste management, through the Golf Course Newsletter, the bulletin board, among other means. Employees are also subject to specific training in waste management. |
| Waste awareness campaigns | In the Belas Clube de Campo homepage, as well as in the newsletter, everyone is aware of proper waste management. Also every day, our employees sensitize customers. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Environmental Quality
According to the environmental policy of the André Jordan Group, to which it belongs Belas Clube de Campo, the golf course was designed from scratch and built to minimize environmental impacts, both during the construction phase, either during the operation. The golf course has undergone an Environmental Impact Assessement in accordance with current legislation and the whole construction was tightly monitorized by a team of specialist in environmental issues. The different features of the golf course were defined at the outset to take a low environmental impact, such as the design of the golf course allow any use of water runoff into lakes and then for irrigation. The most important measure for a proper environmental management of the golf course was the decision to implement since the beginning of the operation phase, an Environmental Management System certified by ISO 14001, which was certified in 1999. More recently, in 2007 was also obtained certification under ISO 9001 quality Norm.
For an effective environmental management of the golf course, have been identified all environmental aspects of the business and is for those who are defined Objectives and Goals of Management, after a proper assessment of its environmental impact.
Aspects such as consumption and water quality, the use of chemicals and fertilizers, waste production and risk issues are those for which there is a management and strict control, for which monitoring is of utmost importance.For all these aspects, various measures have been defined in recent years, always with the aim of minimizing their impact on the environment. For this success, it is also very important to an effective training plan for all employees of the golf course.
Another key aspect to a rigorous environmental management is the identification and compliance with all existing environmental legislation. Thus, there are written procedures for effective identification and compliance.
Water Analysis
Belas Clube de Campo monitors water quality with the following frequency:
| Chemical | Biological | Visual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly | Yearly | Daily | |
| Monthly | Monthly | Daily | |
| Monthly | Monthly | Daily |
Waste Water
Waste water from Belas Clube de Campo is managed as follows:
| Discharges to | Formal Discharge Agreement | |
|---|---|---|
| Irrigation Reservoir | N/A | |
| Mains Sewer | Y | |
| Mains Sewer | Y | |
| Via Oil Separator | Y |
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials at Belas Clube de Campo are handled and disposed of as follows:
| Secure Storage | Registered Uplift | |
|---|---|---|
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Pollution Prevention
Belas Clube de Campo undertakes the following activities to prevent pollution from its maintenance facility and clubhouse:
| Storage of equipment and hazardous products on covered, sealed impervious areas | All hazardous waste is stored safely in specific marked containers, existing detention basin when necessary. That waste is stored in locations with tight coverage and their access to strangers. |
| Maintenance of equipment on covered, sealed impervious areas | The maintenance of all equipment from the golf course is conducted in the \"garage\" of Belas Clube de Campo, in a covered, impervious surface and with all the necessary safety. |
| Mixing of pesticides and fertilizers in covered areas | All mixtures of chemicals are performed in the maintenece area by skilled employees, in an covered area. |
| Mixing of pesticides and fertilizers over impervious surfaces | All mixtures of chemicals are performed in the maintenece area by skilled employees, over a impervious surface, using all safety measures required. |
| Provision of containment booms and absorbent materials | We have all the necessary equipment to fight the spillage of chemicals or fuels, such as absorbent material, protective equipment and containers for storage of waste produced. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Belas Clube de Campo undertakes the following activities to prevent pollution on its golf course:
| Eliminating leachate and run-off through careful timing of turf inputs | Yes, all the turf inputs, such as irrigation or the application of fertilizers and chemicals is done under optimal conditions in order to avoid unnecessary runoff, as defined in twritten he procedures that all employees know. |
| Establishment of vegetative buffer strips around water bodies | Yes, around the four lakes and the main water line to the golf course is set up a line of vegetation, which serves as a barrier to seepage of hazardous materials into the bodies of water. |
| Establishment of emergency spillage response plan | Yes, Belas Clube de Campo has an Environmental Emergency Plan, which addresses the situation of the spillage and which defines the procedures to be performed, as well as those responsible for intervention. |
| Controlling erosion and sediment discharge | Erosion is controlled by the existence and maintenance of dense vegetation in areas of greatest slope or more sensitive to this aspect. To prevent discharge of sediment, for example in lakes, there are boxes of decanting before arrival at the lakes. |
| Establishment of pesticide-free zones | No spray zones are present around all water features and ecological areas. |
| Use of swales and bio-filters to slow and treat surface run-off | Yes, allover the golf course there are areas of swales that slow the velocity of water iin the event of excessive rainfall. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
People & Communities
Belas Clube de Campo considers the relationship with stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, employees and surrounding communities as one of the most important aspects of its performance and its day to day. Later this year will be published the first sustainability report of Belas Clube de Campo, which demonstrates the company's commitment to communities and society in general. The golf course took part in numerous activities and provides support to various institutions and local communities as part of social responsibility, such as the local Scouts, Parish, Firefighters, ...
The promotion of local employment is one of the objectives pursued, because most of the employees of the golf course lives in the region.
Moreover, the activity of golf supports many other local activities and increases the indirect local employment, as suppliers, shops and restaurants, among others.
The developers of the golf course has all the conditions necessary for the performance of their duties, and other additional benefits such as canteen, transportation, lunch subsidy, implementation of actions and events for employees and their families, uniforms, health insurance , check-ups to regular health care, vaccination, water and fruit available all day, among many others.
To ensure the necessary skills to their jobs and enrich their skills, the Employees of Belas Clube de Campo receive the Following formal and informal environmental education: pesticide storage, application and disposal; efficient water management; emergencies / accident management; habitat and vegetation management;
waste minimisation, separation and recycling; health and safety; energy; landscape and cultural heritage issues; environmental management planning, ... And the golf course keeps formal staff training records for all departments.
Employment & Education
Typical staffing levels at Belas Clube de Campo are:
| Full Time | Part Time | Seasonal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | |||
| 12 | |||
| 7 | |||
| 1 | |||
| 1 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 |
The environmental working group at Belas Clube de Campo is comprised of:
- Owner
- General Manager
- Course Manager
- Technical Specialist
Employees at Belas Clube de Campo receive the following formal and informal environmental education:
| Storage, application and disposal of pesticides | Those responsible for application of pesticides on the golf course are formally appointed and they have received specific training for this job. Also in the training sessions provided internally, we focus on aspects related to pesticide application. |
| Efficient water management | The main responsibles for water management of the golf course as well as all employees are aware and trained to a rational use of water in regular training, in addition to an effective awareness daily. |
| Management of accidents and emergencies | There is an Environmental Emergency Plan, under which training is given to all employees on the main emergency scenarios that may occur. In addition, training is given in use of fire extinguishers and emergency drills are conducted with the local fire department. |
| Management of habitats and vegetation | There is annual training of employees of the golf course on questions of nature and fauna and flora. Furthermore they are aware on a daily basis for the importance of nature. |
| Waste minimalisation, separation and recycling | In addition to the daily awareness and a recurring theme in the regular environmental training, each year is given a specific training for the management of waste generated by the golf course for all staff. |
| Health & Safety | All employees have had specific training in safety and health at work, appropriate to the risks of the functions performed by each. |
| Energy Saving | In addition to the daily awareness and a recurring theme in the regular environmental training, were given some specific training in energy efficiency in the the golf course for all staff. |
| Understanding of landscape and cultural heritage |
These issues are addressed in the regular training environment that are given to all employees. |
| Enviromental management planning | Each year is given a general training course on the Environmental and Quality Management System of Belas Clube de Campo and the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 recognition. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Community Relations
Belas Clube de Campo engages with local community groups in the following manner:
| Neighbours | The golf course has a great relationship with the residents of the resort where it operates and the surrounding communities, both in terms of facilities to be members of golf, as in participation in various events or and improvements in their villages. |
| Local Government | A good understanding of the golf course with the local and regional government is expressed through the support in the numerous actions, participation in the improvements made in the region or supporting the local institutions (ex: Renewable Energy Atelier). |
| Local Enviromental Groups | The environmental information of the golf course is sent to environmental organizations, we are open to visitors and the example of the environmental management of golf was already included in material published by these organizations (ex: GEOTA). |
| Local Community Groups | The golf course is supporting several local community groups such as Belas firefighters, the parish church, the Scouts, protection of heritage associations, surrounding villages neighborhood associations, among others. |
| Media | The golf course shares with the local and regional press all the environmental activities undertaken, which are published regularly with great emphasis. Often it is the press who contacts us and asks us for a visit to publish reports on environmental issues. |
| Local Businesses | The golf course supports local business by making purchases at local shops, use of suppliers and services in the region and signing agreements of cooperation and dissemination of local businesses to residents and employees of the Belas Clube de Campo. |
| Schools & Colleges | The golf course is always open to visits from schools and students, and participation in work, masters, Phd's, among others. Belas Clube de Campo also has a workshop on Renewable Energy, which is open to visits by students from the region of Sintra. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Land Use & Cultural Heritage
Belas Clube de Campo provides access and diversified land use for others through:
| Maintenance of existing public paths | All existing public roads prior to construction of the golf course were kept. |
| Installation of effective and welcoming signage | All facilities of the golf course, as the reception and restaurant are open to the public, are well marked and the golf course do not forbid visits to persons who are not golfers. |
| Providing opportunities for other recreation (e.g. fishing) | The clubhouse of the golf course is open to other events other than golf, such as business meetings, birthdays and seminars. Also the surrounds of the golf course are available for activities such as walkings, scouts camping, mountain bike, paintball and more. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
The following archaeological and heritage surveys have been undertaken at Belas Clube de Campo:
| Archaeological Assessment - Environmental Impact Assessment | IPA | 1993-11-25 | EIA 1ª Fase Resumo.PDF |
| rchaeological Assessment - Environmental Impact Assessment | IPA | 1997-11-25 | EIA 2ª Fase Resumo Não Técnico.PDF |
| Title | Author | Date | View Document |
|---|
Belas Clube de Campo does not consult any organizations regarding the conservation of cultural heritage.
Belas Clube de Campo undertakes the following activities to conserve cultural heritage features:
| Archaeology (Settlements / Agricultural System etc) | In the area of the golf course there is no archaeological sites, but in the surrounding lands are some findings that are adequately protected by the company that owns the golf course. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Communications
Belas Clube de Campo undertakes the following internal environmental communications:
| Provision of newsletters, notice boards & poster displays | In the Belas Clube de Campo Nesletter, are regularly published news and articles on environmental management of the golf course. In the clubhouse there is a Notice Board exclusively for the Environment which established issues related to environmental management. |
| Members evenings and course walks | Walks are promoted on the land surrounding the golf course, which also belong to Belas Clube de Campo. |
| Participation in environmental management | Sometimes customers are requested to participate in defining the objectives and goals of the Golf Course. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Belas Clube de Campo undertakes the following social and environmental advocacy activities:
| Website, press releases & brochures |
All information on the environmental management of the golf course is available and is updated regularly on the site of Belas Clube de Campo. Press releases are also held, where the action is justified. |
| Joint practical projects with community | Collection of food oils, replacement bulbs for energy-saving lamps from residents of Belas Clube de Campo, Incentives for installation of renewable energy units in homes of the Belas Clube de Campo. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
