Golf della Montecchia
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GEO Certified™ 04/2013
Golf della Montecchia
via Montecchia, 12
Selvazzano Dentro, Padova, Italy,
35030Telephone: +39 049 8055550 Fax: +39 049 8055323
The GC La Montecchia is located in northern Italy in the Veneto region, about 10 kilometres away from the city of Padua. It has 27 holes and covers a surface of 94 hectares at an altitude of 16 meters above the sea level. The geographical coordinates are: Latitude 45° 23' 12'' North and Longitude 11° 45' 48'' East. The construction of the holes dates back to 1988/89 (18 holes) and 1990 (9 holes). The landscape observed from the club and the weather conditions are those typical of the Po Valley, open and level land characterized by intense cold in the winter and sultry heat in the summer,...
Paolo Croce, GEOSA, Accredited Verifier
GEO Certified™ Report
Publication of this report confirms that Golf della Montecchia 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 Golf della Montecchia, across the following areas:
Landscape & Ecosystems; Water; Energy & Resources; Products & Supply Chains; Environmental Quality and People & Communities.
Facility Details
Golf della Montecchia is a private golf facility comprising:
Courses
- rosso (9 holes, 3131 Metres, Year of opening: 1990)
- bianco (9 holes, 3187 Metres, Year of opening: 1990)
- giallo (9 holes, 3097 Metres, Year of opening: 1991)
Other
- Pro Shop
- Facilities
- Halfway House
- On Course WC
- swimming pool restaurant snack bar
Landscape & Ecosystems
The landscape and the climate are typical of pianura Padana, flat with very hot and dry summer and freeze winter season.
The view from the course is characterised by the Euganean Hills and some historic buildings: a medieval Castle, a marvellous renaissance Villa (Varotari) and the clubhouse, served once as a tobacco drying room of the Count Emo Capodilista’s landed estate.
Golf della Montecchia has been committed on environmental issue for years, in order to establish his function as a buffer area between the Euganean Hills Regional Park and the nearby urban settlements.
In order to highlight the existing fauna and flora, Golf della Montecchia takes several actions:
- Participate in the first survey on Italian golf courses. "Gli effetti ambientali delle attività ricreative sul territorio - Il caso del golf in Italia -The Effects of Leisure Activities on the Environment: the Case of Golf in Italy”(1999), a research undertaken by C.N.R. – National Research Centre - in association with the University of Bologna and the Italian Golf Federation. This study provided the milestone for research on the relationship between golf and environment in Italy for the following years;
- Joined the first ornithological research program carried out on golf courses in Italy: "Importanza dei campi da golf per la conservazione delle specie ornitiche in Italia -The Importance of Golf Courses for the Preservation of Ornithic Species in Italy”(2003), "Avian diversity on golf courses and surrounding landscapes in Italy"(2007), and "Specie a priorità di conservazione presenti in alcuni campi da golf italiani"(2011). All the studies were conducted by Italian Golf Federation and Università di Roma La Sapienza;
- Under the leadership of Bologna University, Golf Montecchia started an innovative approach for trees management (2011). The goal of the research is to identify a management model integrated with a specific soft were;
- In collaboration with Padua University, is carried out a three years study on natural evolution of rough areas left uncultivated (2012). The purpose is to find possible methods to optimize the naturalization of these areas, in respect of biodiversity.
Consultation & Surveys
Golf della Montecchia consults the following organizations regarding landscape heritage conservation:
- Bologna University
- Padua University
- Rome La Sapienza University
- Italian Golf Federation - Green Section
- LIPU-Padua (birdlife organization)
The following landscape assessments and surveys have been undertaken at Golf della Montecchia:
| Gli effetti ambientali delle attività ricreative sul territorio - Il caso del golf in Italia | CNR, Bologna University and IGF | 1999-12-01 | Gli_effetti_ambientali_delle_attivit_ricreative_sul_territorio_-_Il_caso_del_golf_in_Italia.pdf |
| Importanza dei campi da golf per la conservazione delle specie ornitiche in Italia -The Importance of Golf Courses for the Preservation of Ornithic Species in Italy | Marta Visentin, Ugo Foscolo Foschi, Alberto Sorace | 2003-12-01 | Importanza_dei_campi_da_golf_per_la_conservazione_delle_specie_ornitiche_in_Italia.pdf |
| Avian diversity on golf courses and surrounding landscapes in Italy | Alberto Sorace, Marta Visentin | 2007-12-01 | Avian_diversity_on_golf_courses_and_surrounding_landscapes_in_Italy.pdf |
| Title | Author | Date | View Document |
|---|
Golf della Montecchia consults the following organizations regarding ecosystem protection and enhancement:
- Padua University
- LIPU - Padua (birdlife organization)
- Provincial Hunting Police
- STS -engineering company specialized on quality, environment and safety systems
- Green Section of Italian Golf Federation
The following ecological surveys have been undertaken at Golf della Montecchia:
| Specie a priorità di conservazione presenti in alcuni campi da golf italiani - Poster | Alberto Sorace et al. | 2011-12-01 | Poster_1.pdf |
| Specie a priorità di conservazione presenti in alcuni campi da golf italiani | Alberto Sorace ed al. | 2011-12-01 | Relazione finale_1 Sorace_1.pdf |
| Title | Author | Date | View Document |
|---|
Rare, protected and notable species occurring at Golf della Montecchia:
| ninfea bianca | Nymphaea alba |
| airone cinerino | Ardea cinera |
| garzetta | Egretta garzetta |
| succiacapre | Caprimulgus europaeus |
| gheppio | Falcus tunnunculus |
| picchio verde | Picus viridis |
| rondine | Hirundo rusticus |
| balestruccio | Delichon urbicum |
| storno | Sturnus vulgaris |
| passera mattugia | Passer montanus |
| raganella | Hyla arborea |
Golf della Montecchia does not monitor any species as indicators of environmental quality.
Habitats & Designations
Golf della Montecchia features the following landscape designations:
| Historic Landscapes / Parklands | Soprintendenza Beni Culturali (Government Authority for Cultural Heritage) |
| Surrounding Parco Regionale dei Colli Euganei | Regione Veneto (Regional Park) |
| Surrounding Medieval Castello del Mottolo and Renaissance Villa Emo Capodilista | Soprintendenza Beni Culturali (Government Authority for Cultural Heritage) |
Area of habitats / vegetation types, and associated designations at Golf della Montecchia:
| Rough 'ecological' grassland | 20 | Self Appointed |
| Scrub Vegetation | 10 | Self Appointed |
| Native Woodland | 1 | Self Appointed |
| Non Native Plantation Woodland | 2 | Self Appointed |
| Wetlands | 1 | Self Appointed |
| Open Water Features | 2 | Self Appointed |
Turfgrass
Size and estimated species composition of amenity turfgrass maintained at Golf della Montecchia:
| Area (Hectares) | Turfgrass Species | Sward Composition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greens | 2 | Agrostis stolonifera / palustris | 70 % |
| Poa annua | 30 % | ||
| Tees | 2 | Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis | 70 % |
| Agrostis stolonifera / palustris | 30 % | ||
| Fairways | 15 | Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis | 100 % |
| Semi-Rough | 10 | Festuca arundinacea | 20 % |
| Lolium perenne | 80 % | ||
| Rough | 31 | Festuca arundinacea | 50 % |
| Festuca rubra | 50 % | ||
| Other | 35 | 0 % | |
These turfgrasses are optimal for the circumstances at Golf della Montecchia because:
Tees and fairways: it's a result of scientific studies and several years of experience in collaboration with Pisa University and Green Section of Italian Golf Federation. Bermudagrass is the best compromise in between turf quality, playability and low inputs (water, chemicals, fertilizers).
Putting greens: good compromise between specific climatic conditions and playability.
Actually carried out with IGF-Greens Section and Pisa University a study to evaluate the adaptability of ultradwarf Bermudagrass cv. Miniverde.
Rough: great adaptability of Festuca arundinacea at low maintenence conditions (little water, little fertilisers).
Golf della Montecchia assesses mowing patterns:
Every 2 Years
Golf della Montecchia consults the following individuals / organizations regarding its grassing plan:
- Green section of IGF
- Pisa University
Golf della Montecchia 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 | Annual plan prepared by the Superintendent and the agronomic Consultant, daily adapted to specific requirements. |
| Promoting the playing quality values of more naturalized turf, particularly fairways and semi-rough | By newsletters, web site and notice board |
| Promoting the financial benefits of presenting sustainable surfaces | By newsletters, web site and notice board |
| Improving customer understanding around greens maintenance | By newsletters, web site and notice board |
| Demonstrating the direct relationship between environmental best practice and year round high quality playing surfaces | By web site |
| Warm Season Turfgrass Adaptation in Europe North of the 45º Parallel | This research, carried out in collaboration with Pisa University and Greeen Section of Italian Golf Federation, has supplied vital information on the adaptability of warm season turfgrass species and cultivars to the latitudes of northern Italy, a region where most Italian golf courses are located. Presented at “Vth World Scientific Congress of Golf” held in Phoenix, Arizona -March 2008 The research is published and available on Golf Montecchia and IGF web site. |
| Warm Season Turfgrass Adaptation in Northern Italy. | This research, carried out in collaboration with Pisa University and Greeen Section of Italian Golf Federation, has supplied vital information on the adaptability of warm season turfgrass species and cultivars to the latitudes of northern Italy, a region where most Italian golf courses are located. Presented at “1st European Turfgrass Society Conference” held in Pisa - May 2008. The research is published and aivalable on Golf Montecchia and IGF web site. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Conservation & Enhancement
Golf della Montecchia is undertaking the following activities to conserve and enhance landscape character:
| Allowing seasonal variation of course colouration and texture | On native and wet areas |
| Discreet on-course signage and furniture | Using green and brown colors signages and furniture. Signages built on recycled material. |
| Conservation of specimen trees | On course a specific study by Bologna University |
| Screening and softening unsightly man-made features |
Planting trees in parking lot to improve the landscape and reduce the environmental impact. Modifing clubhouse garden area to encourage the view of the Alps and of the practise facilities. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Golf della Montecchia is undertaking the following activities to improve the landscape ecology of the golf course:
| Minimizing the amount of amenity grass | Reducing fairways size (approx. 20%) and increasing rough size (approx. 10% ) |
| Increasing the size of habitat patches | Increasing unmowed rough (approx.20%) |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Golf della Montecchia is undertaking the following activities to improve the quality of habitats on the golf course:
| Creation of botanically rich rough grassland | Included on a study carried out by Padua University |
| Ecologically informed management of scrub vegetation | On course a study carried out by Padua University |
| Establishment of littoral shelves and marginal vegetation in wetland areas | Lake shores partially naturalised, definition of a buffer zone for pesticide and fertilisers (about 2 meters) |
| Maintenance of an appropriate balance of open water and aquatic vegetation | Free growth of Nymphaea alba |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Golf della Montecchia is undertaking the following activities to conserve and enhance biodiversity on the golf course:
| Installation of nest boxes | Planned bird boxes with the support of LIPU-Padua (birdlife organization) |
| Provision of feeding tables | By golf members and by the staff when the golf course is closed. |
| Control / management of alien species |
Capturing Myocastor coypus (Nutria) in collaboration with Provincial Hunting Police. Planned a Corvus corone cornix (Cornacchia grigia) population containment in collaboration with Provincial Hunting Police. |
| Creation of micro-habitats (eg log and stone piles) | Dead trees left in place where possible. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Water
The climate at Montecchia Golf Club is characterized by hot and dry summer, with temperatures reaching 35-36 ° C.
The 27-holes of Golf Club Montecchia, originally established with cool season grasses, have a very draining substrate and a very efficient drainage system. For that reason, the course is almost always accessible, even in winter time.
However, in summer time the turf always needed big amount of water.
To reduce water consumption, in 2003 started a collaboration with Green Section of Italian Golf Federation and Department of Agronomy of Pisa University, in order to identify the most suitable turf species. The study was included in a national research carried out by Green Section of IGF and Pisa University , to verify the adaptability of warm season species in Mediterranean climate.
In 2004 was established the experimental nursery, to study the adaptability of warmseason species at Pianura Padana conditions.
The results, obtained in the experimental nursery and in open field (driving range tee) showed the adapatbility of bermudagrass: very good quality, less water requirement (50% and more), small amount of fertilizer and no pesticide use.
The study were presented at international scientific meetings (Two papiers: - "Warm season turfgrass adaptation in Europe North of 45° Parallel" , presented on March, 2008 at World Scientific Congress of Golf”, Phoenix, Arizona and "Warm Season Turfgrass Adaptation in Northern Italy", presented on May 2008 at European Turfgrass Society Conference, Pisa).
Encouraged by these results, on 2010 started a program to convert the turfgrass of tees and fairways from cool seasons to warmseason, using Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon x Cynodon transvaalensis cv.Patriot).
Results: compared to maintenance data of previous years, reductions in terms of water consumption (43% less), fertilization inputs and pesticide use (47% less).
Part of results are published as "Case study" on R&A web site.
Sources & Consumption
The following water audits have been undertaken at Golf della Montecchia:
| R&A Case Study - http://www.randa.org/en/TheGolfCourse/The-golf-course/Case-Studies/Archive/2012/June/Montecchia-GC.aspx | A.De Luca, B.Og O'Flaherty | 2011-12-01 | |
| Title | Author | Date | View Document |
|---|
The water used at Golf della Montecchia is drawn from the following sources:
| 2012 | Sources | % of supply | Total Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clubhouse | Public / Potable | 100 | 9.971.000 Litres |
| Golf Course | Groundwater | 100 | 135.395.300 Litres |
| Maintenance Facility | Public / Potable | 100 | included on club house Litres |
| 2011 | Sources | % of supply | Total Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clubhouse | Public / Potable | 100 | 9.401.000 Litres |
| Golf Course | Groundwater | 100 | 181.355.000 Litres |
| Maintenance Facility | Public / Potable | 100 | included on golf course Litres |
| 2010 | Sources | % of supply | Total Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clubhouse | Public / Potable | 100 | 9.266.000 Litres |
| Golf Course | Groundwater | 100 | 197.825.000 (theoretically estimate) Litres |
| Maintenance Facility | Public / Potable | 100 | included on golf course Litres |
Irrigation & Efficiency
The following areas receive irrigation at Golf della Montecchia:
| Greens | Daily |
| Tees | Weekly |
| Fairways | Weekly |
| Semi-Rough | Weekly |
| Rough | Monthly |
| gardens | Weekly |
The irrigation system at Golf della Montecchia is:
Fully computer controlled
Serviced every day in summer time Months
Upgraded every 1-2 Year(s)
Re-calibrated and checked for efficient application every day or week in summer time Months
Golf della Montecchia is undertaking the following activities to maximize irrigation efficiency:
| Selection of grass species |
Bermudagrass introduced on tees and fairways. Experimental study on pitching green for the adaptability of ultradwarf bermudagrass (cv. Miniverde) at Pianura Padana conditions in collaboration with Green Section of IGF and Pisa University |
| Soil decompaction and thatch management |
Cultivation of tees, fairways, greens surrounds and some rough areas on regular basis. Thatch management on greens, tees and fairways by verticuttings, aerifications and topdressing. Soil analisis on regular basis to balance intake of nutrients. |
| Timing and dose of water application |
Depending on areas and weather conditions. In summer time, application to the maximum of: - daily on putting greens (from 4 to 7 mm) - every day on tees of white course (from 3 to 5 mm) -every three days on tees and fairways (max 3 mm) On 2011, installed a flow meter to control real water consumption. |
| Analysis of soil moisture | By visual estimation of turf color and roots zone |
| Incorporation of evapotranspiration rates and weather data | Evapotraspiration data collected from ARPAV (Agenzia Regionale Prevenzione e Protezione Ambientale del Veneto), Teolo weather station, located 10 km from Golf Montecchia. |
| Use of wetting agents | On putting greens 2-3 times per year, over the entire area or by localised treatments. |
| Targeting of sprinkler heads |
Before irrigation season start (February - April) Daily on irrigation season |
| Optimizing system pressure | Control and audit of pomp station before irrigation season start (February - March) |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Golf della Montecchia is undertaking the following activities to conserve / reduce / minimise water consumption:
| Low-flow urinals and toilets | Yes |
| Use of water efficient applicances | Efficient applicances in the 4 drinking fountains on the course. |
| Use of efficient shower technology | In progress the installation of a more efficient water heating system. |
| Repairing leaks |
Not always possible in short time, because some sectioning valves failure. On 2013, expected a replacement of the main sectioning valves. In study a long-term plan for total review of the irrigation system. |
| Water awareness signage | Notice in the locker rooms: "Montecchia Golf Club has always been committed to protecting the environment. In order to comply with energy saving regulations, toilets and changing rooms have been equipped with timer-operated lights. For the same reason, player members and guests are kindly requested to use one towel at a time, so as to avoid any unnecessary energy consumptions. Thank you. The Management" |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Energy & Resources
Actions taken to reduce energy consumption:
- increased low mantenence area (+10%rough, +20% unmowed areas) and reduced fairways size (approximately 20% less) to limit inputs (gasoline, water, fertilisers)
- introduced warm season grasses on tees and fairways to reduce irrigation system use and fertilizers and pesticides application
- use of low consumption lighting
- installation of photocells with timer in locker rooms, bathrooms and external lights
- renovation of club house air conditioner from water system to air system
- renovation of club house thermoregulation system
- golf car with long term and high efficiency battery
- new contract with a provider of clean energy (hydroelectric) starting from 2013
- differentiated waste collection
Renovation of heating system in project.
Sources & Consumption
No energy surveys have been undertaken at Golf della Montecchia.
Consumption of renewable energy and resources at Golf della Montecchia:
| 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 190.976,1 | 186.314,4 | 167.903,7 |
Consumption of non-renewable energy and resources at Golf della Montecchia:
| 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 445.610,9 | 434.733,6 | 391.775,3 | |
| 48.830 | 53.131 | 51.772 | |
| 20.800 | 15.200 (from May) | - | |
| 4.047 | 1.635 (from May) | ||
| 150 | 150 | - | |
| 50 | 150 | - |
Energy Efficiency
Golf della Montecchia is undertaking the following activities to diversify energy and fuel supply:
| Adoption of green tariff grid supply | Starting from 2013, signed a contract with a new provider of clean energy (100% hydroelectric) |
| Installation of photovoltaic and / or solar panels | Replacement of asbestos coverage of mantenance facilities with solar panels cover |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Golf della Montecchia is undertaking the following activities to reduce energy consumption:
| Investment in low-energy heating and air conditioning systems |
Renovation of club house air conditioner from water system to air system and new thermoregulation system. In project renovation of heating system. |
| Optimizing themostat levels for heating and refridgeration | Renovation of club house thermoregulation system on 2012. |
| Upgrading of building insulation | Improved maintenance facilities cover |
| Use of natural light (e.g. sunlight pipes) | Improved into maintenance facilities |
| Installation of low-energy lighting |
In progress introduction of low-energy lighting in clubhouse -locker rooms, bathrooms, restaurant, bar, corridors. Process started 3 years ago. |
| Use of motion sensor lighting | Introduced on 2012 in bathrooms and locker rooms |
| Transition to energy efficient appliances |
Golf cars with long term and high efficiency batteries. In project renovation of heating system. |
| Use of timers with appliances, heating and lighting | Renovation of club house thermoregulation system, installed timers on sauna and external areas |
| Educating staff and customers | Agreement with restaurant manager. Advices in club house notice board and in locker rooms. |
| Conversion of fairways and tees from coolseason grasses to warmseason grass (bermuda) | Reduction of energy consumptions due to less inputs requirement of bermudagrass compared to previous grasses (less water, less fertiliser and less pesticide applications). |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Vehicles & Transport
The maintenance fleet at Golf della Montecchia uses the following fuel sources:
| Ride-on Mowers | Walking Mowers | Utility Vehicles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 43% | ||
| 100% | 52% | ||
| 5% | |||
Additional vehicles operated by Golf della Montecchia use the following fuel sources:
| Golf Carts | Cars | Buses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | |||
Golf della Montecchia has established the following schemes to encourage reductions in staff and customer transport emissions:
| Secure cycle parking | In progress |
| Promotion of a new road | Promotion of a new road that quickly connects Golf Montecchia to the city center and major highways |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Products & Supply Chains
Montecchia Golf Club started on 2011 a policy for green purchasing:
-new golf cars with high-performance batteries and long-term field
-scoreboards and other golf course accessories made with recycled plastic
-construction of car paths with recycled aggregates
-grinding of pruning residues and recycling them as a car path cover
Among the parameters for suppliers selection, introduced their commitment to the environment.
Purchasing Policies
Golf della Montecchia undertakes the following ethical / environmental purchasing activities:
| Use of local suppliers | Products provided by local suppliers : sand, gravel, fertilizers, chemicals, building materials, irrigation pipe, valve and sprinklers, irrigation replacements, petrol and gasoline, food, repairs (equipment, pumping station and irrigation system, plumbing and electrical) |
| Use of local products | Part of food, oil and wine bought by the manager of snack bar and restaurant came from local farms. |
| Use of recycled and recyclable products |
Scoreboards and other golf course accessories made with recycled plastic. Construction of car paths with recycled aggregates. Grinding of pruning residues and recycling them as car path cover. Utilisation of old pipes as underground cable passage. |
| Use of accredited suppliers (e.g. ISO 14001) |
The following companies involved on golf course and club house management are accredited as follow: Elevator maintenance company (Kone, Certificazione ISO 14001 e ISO 9001) Company responsible for waste materials collection (Execo, certificazione EMAS) Company in charge of safety systems (Essetiesse, Certificazione ISO 9001) |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Supply Chain
An overview of the supplier network at Golf della Montecchia:
| Total number of suppliers | Total number of suppliers within 10 Kilometres | Total number of suppliers within 100 Kilometres | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7 | 3 | |
| 7 | 4 | 3 | |
| 20 | 8 | 12 | |
| 1 | 1 |
Turfgrass Inputs
Golf della Montecchia undertakes the following IPM activities:
| Encouragin drought and disease tolerant grasses |
Introduced bermudagrass on driving range (2007), on fairways of white course (2010) and tees and fairways on red course (2011) and yellow course (2012). Plannned for 2013 the introduction of bermudagrass on tees of white course. Started a putting green study on ultradwarf bermudagrass. |
| Managing stress and wear |
Soil analysis to establish specific fertilization programs. Agronomic practices on regular basis (verticutting, coring, spiking, slicing, vertidraining, topdressing) Total or partial closure of the golf course in case of adverse weather conditions (eavy rain, ice, frost). In some cases, golf carts banned. |
| Enhancement of soil structure |
Cultivations (coring, spiking, vertidraining, slicing) and topdressing on fairways, greens and tees. Ongoing repair of the idrojecting machine. |
| Optimization of the growing environment | Pruning trees to reduce the negative effect of shade, good agronomic practices. |
| Managing thatch levels | Verticutting, coring and topdressing on regular basis, adeguate mowing frequency and calibrated nitrogen and water applications. |
| Managing surface moisture | Localized water application, water management on daily basis by automatic irrigation system and/or by localised applications, wetting agent applications, turf coltivation. |
| Establishing thresholds for pests and disease |
Only curative treatments for pests and diseases, never adopted a preventative control, except for pre emergence herbicide to control Digitaria spp. and Eleusine indica on putting green, tees and fairways. Starting from next year, no more pre emergence herbicide application on tees and fairways. Thresholds established for major pests and diseases (dollar spot, rhizoctonia, microdochium nivale, army worms and lether jacket -Agrotis spp. and Tipula spp.- by the Superintendent and by the Agronomic consultant. Treatment performed only after very strong attacks (more than 30% of damage on the surface). For Microdochium, only autumn treatment if necessary. No treatment permormed if Microdochium start in February. |
| Scouting for pests and diseases | On daily basis by Superintendent and maintenance staff. |
| Monitoring / improvement of plant health |
By Superintendent and Agronomic consultant, through: - visul control of roots deep - comparing amount of pesticide applied year by year - checking playing conditions |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Fertilizer use at Golf della Montecchia in the last three years:
| 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic | Inorganic | Organic | Inorganic | Organic | Inorganic | ||
| Greens | N | 133,16 kg | 177,63 kg | 196,9 kg | |||
| P | 5,95 kg | 5,08 kg | 4,46 kg | ||||
| K | 188,84 kg | 245,69 kg | 234,11 kg | ||||
| Tees | N | 79,96 kg | 85,24 kg | 118,44 kg | |||
| P | 19,32 kg | 5,64 kg | 3,87 kg | ||||
| K | 125,42 kg | 72,94 kg | 69,64 kg | ||||
| Fairways | N | 1246,33 kg | 1258,23 kg | 1322,08 kg | |||
| P | 348,97 kg | 143,32 kg | 55,14 kg | ||||
| K | 680,37 kg | 863,7 kg | 1785,34 kg | ||||
Pesticide use at Golf della Montecchia in the last three years:
| 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic | Inorganic | Organic | Inorganic | Organic | Inorganic | ||
| Greens | Fungicide | 30 kg | 27,87 kg | 33,62 kg | |||
| Herbicide | 0,6 kg | 13,42 kg | 85,68 kg | ||||
| Insecticide | 0,21 kg | 0,84 kg | 0,14 kg | ||||
| Tees | Fungicide | 4,07 kg | 10,26 kg | 11,75 kg | |||
| Herbicide | 4,76 kg | 5,45 kg | 1,7 kg | ||||
| Insecticide | 0,02 kg | 0,79 kg | 0,61 kg | ||||
| Fairways | Fungicide | ||||||
| Herbicide | 21,84 kg | 59,85 kg | 104,13 kg | ||||
| Insecticide | 1,46 kg | ||||||
| Semi-Rough | Fungicide | ||||||
| Herbicide | 36,65+3,66(bunkers)+0,93(driving range) kg | 0,3+0,75 (bunkers)+3,22(driving range) kg | 14,16+4,97(bunkers)+2,52(driving range) kg | ||||
| Insecticide | |||||||
Golf della Montecchia undertakes the following actions to optimize pesticide use:
| Selection on the least toxic and lest persistant products | Only products authorized by Italian laws, selected from less toxic, less persistent and of new synthesis. |
| Selection of appropriate products for specific pests and diseases | Yes |
| Spot-treatment with handheld sprayers and wipers |
Yes, particularly for herbicides and insectides. In several occasions, localised fungicide treatments just on greens interested by disease. |
| Calibration and testing of sprayers | Performed regularly by the Superintendent. |
| Utilization of shrouded sprayser and anti-drip nozzles | Purchase of covered boom sprayers on 2011 to avoid dispersion of pesticide on the atmosphere. |
| Non-chemical weed control | Agronomic practices, with the purpose to produce a very dense turf provided by deep roots: balanced fertilization program, high cut frequency, verticutting, coring, sand topdressing and so on. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Waste Management
No waste audits have been undertaken at Golf della Montecchia.
Golf della Montecchia manages key waste streams as follows:
| Re-use | Recycle | Landfill | Incinerate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Golf della Montecchia undertakes the following activities to continue the lifecycle of materials and resources:
| Separation of recyclable materials | Plastic, metals, papers, organic, oils and batteries, glass |
| Establishment of recycling centers |
Golf course staff provide to collect and separate waste coming from golf course and workshop. Caddy masters provide to collect and separate waste coming from golf course. Employees provide to collect and separate waste coming from reception and administrative offices. Waiters and bartenders provide to collect and separate waste coming from snack bar and restaurants. Employees of company in charge of cleaning provide to collect and separate waste coming from club house and locker rooms. Waste is given in separate containers in a dedicate place. Then a municipal company ensure the collection and the distribution to the recycling centers. |
| Returning clipping to fairways and walkways |
Clipping returned everywhere, except on putting greens. Putting green clipping distributed on semirough and rough. Grinded pruning residues placed on car path. |
| Education of staff and customer education |
Advice for customers and education for staff. Separate waste collection on the golf course and in the parking lot. |
| Waste awareness campaigns | Introduction of separate waste collection on the course and in the parking lot. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Environmental Quality
Montecchia Golf Club has been one of the first Italian golf club committed on respect and care of the environment.
First goal was to establish its function as a buffer area between the Euganean Hills Regional Park and the nearby urban settlements. Most significant actions:
- reduction of water consumption (48% less), fertilizers use and pesticides use (47%) on tees and fairways moving turf from cool season grasses to bermudagrass;
- reduction of fertilisers use by soil test analysis on regular basis;
- asbestos removal from maintenance facility roof;
- in progress a voluntary environmental check program in accordance to the law 231;
- increased the unmowed areas to improve wild life;
- increased pesticides and fertilisers free-zone.
Water Analysis
Golf della Montecchia monitors water quality with the following frequency:
| Chemical | Biological | Visual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | Daily | ||
| Daily | Daily | ||
| Daily |
Waste Water
Waste water from Golf della Montecchia is managed as follows:
| Discharges to | Formal Discharge Agreement | |
|---|---|---|
| Stormwater Drain | Y | |
| Mains Sewer | Y | |
| Septic Tank | Y | |
| On-Site Treatment Plant | Y |
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials at Golf della Montecchia are handled and disposed of as follows:
| Secure Storage | Registered Uplift | |
|---|---|---|
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Pollution Prevention
Golf della Montecchia undertakes the following activities to prevent pollution from its maintenance facility and clubhouse:
| Storage of equipment and hazardous products on covered, sealed impervious areas | Equipment and hazardous products are stored in the shed of the maintenance facility (approx. 800sqm), managed following the recommendations of a company specialised on the Italian low prescriptions. |
| Maintenance of equipment on covered, sealed impervious areas | The maintenance of equipment is carried out in the work shop (approx. 100sqm), located inside the shad of the maintenance facility. |
| Installation of above-ground fuel tanks | A new 3.000 liters diesel tank was installed on 2011, following the Italian laws. |
| Installation of sufficient secondary containment for fuel | The diesel tank is provided of a secondary containment, following Italian low prescriptions. |
| Provision of containment booms and absorbent materials | Sawdust on chemical storage and on work shop. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Golf della Montecchia undertakes the following activities to prevent pollution on its golf course:
| Eliminating leachate and run-off through careful timing of turf inputs |
Spoon feeding fertilisation program on regular basis on greens, tees and fairways. Avoided any application in case of rain and following weather forecast. From 2009, no more fertilisers applied and few localised herbicide application on rough. |
| Establishment of vegetative buffer strips around water bodies | Avoided any treatment (fertilisers and pesticides) around lakes, buffer zone of about 2 m. |
| Establishment of emergency spillage response plan |
Safety data sheets avalable for every specific pesticide. Staff in charge to apply pesticides is specifically trained and authorized by government authority. |
| Establishment of pesticide-free zones | Wild areas and buffer zones around water bodies are pesticide-free zones |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
People & Communities
Golf della Montecchia is connected with local community and several actions are in progress to improve that.
Contacts with local schools:
- organised visits from kindergarten children, to show the beauty of a green area near the city (trees and birds) and to know the game of golf;
- organised visits from elementary and secondary schools to show the beauty of the golf course and of the golf game;
- organised visits from professors and students of Padova University at our experimental nursery of bermudagrass and at the golf course, to know management practices and to see the equipment;
- on 2012, started a study togheter with Padova University on area left unmowed on the course;
- accommodate summer campus, using swimming pool and driving range;
Contacts with local people and companies:
-agreement with neighboring wine estate and factory of Count Emo Capodilista for accomodation, visits to the winery, the Villa Emo Capodilista and the Mottolo Castle;
- agreement with "Terme di Abano-Montegrotto"", the association of termal hotels close to the golf course;
- agreement with "Consorzio di Abano", the association of golf courses of the areas;
- good relationship with reporters of local news papier
- good relationship with municipal authorities, recreational meetings organised in the past;
- good relationship with local hunting police;
- good relationship with local military police station;
- some contacts with local LIPU organisation;
- several promotional initiatives with volley and rugby Padova teams.
Employment & Education
Typical staffing levels at Golf della Montecchia are:
| Full Time | Part Time | Seasonal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | ||
| 7 | 3 | ||
| 7 external | 5 external | ||
| 1 | |||
| 4 | 1 | ||
| 1 external | |||
| 2 | 2 | ||
| 2 (1 marshal, 1 swimming pool) |
The environmental working group at Golf della Montecchia is comprised of:
- Owner
- Course Manager
- Committee Members
- Technical Specialist
- Green Section of IGF
- Pisa University
- Roma La Sapienza University
- Padova University
- Bologna University
- Provincial Police hunting
Employees at Golf della Montecchia receive the following formal and informal environmental education:
| Storage, application and disposal of pesticides | Prescriptions of Italian law strictly followed |
| Efficient water management | Superintendent is a well educated Agronomist, supported by the Agronomists of Green Section of IGF |
| Management of accidents and emergencies |
4 Employers specifically trained (2 club house staff and 2 golf course staff for "First aid" and "Fire fighting"). |
| Management of habitats and vegetation | Beside the Agronomist Superintendent and the Agronomist of Green Section of IGF, 4 golf course staff have the diploma on "Gardening". For specific problems, help from Bologna University and Padua University is requested. |
| Waste minimalisation, separation and recycling | Recycling waste on club house and on the golf course. |
| Health & Safety | All the staff is well trained following the prescriptions of Italian law |
| Energy Saving | The conversion plan of the golf course to bermuda was well illustrated to all Montecchia staff, to show the benefits for the health, the environment and also for the energy budget. |
| Understanding of landscape and cultural heritage | The increasing of unmanaged, wild area was illustrated to all Montecchia staff: the purpose is to increase native flora and fauna, in accordance with the bordering Parco dei Colli Euganei and the history of the area. |
| Enviromental management planning | The increasing of unmanaged, wild area was illustrated to the Montecchia staff: the purpose is to increase native flora and fauna, in accordance with the bordering Parco dei Colli Euganei. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Community Relations
Golf della Montecchia engages with local community groups in the following manner:
| Neighbours |
Organised Golf tournament with - the wine estate of Count Emo Capodilista - the Alajmo's Family, which manages nationally and internationally renowned restaurant, included the restaurant of Golf della Montecchia |
| Local Government | Mayor and municipal authorities invited to every important event takes place at the golf club |
| Local Enviromental Groups | Contact with local people supporting and involved with LIPU, a national birds protection organization |
| Local Community Groups | Organised social meeting with local rugby and volley teams |
| Media | Contacts with local press, national television and golf magazine, improvement of web site (more contents, translation on different languages in progress) |
| Local Businesses |
Business community organized by commercial department. Specific communication with the customers of the club house restaurant of Amajmo's Family (1 Star Michelin). Agreement with neighboring wine estate and factory of Count Emo Capodilista for accomodation, visits to the winery, the Villa Emo Capodilista and the Mottolo Castle. Agreement with "Terme di Abano-Montegrotto"", the association of termal hotels close to Montecchia. Agreement with "Consorzio di Abano", the association of golf courses of the areas. Promotional initiatives for local factories and companies. |
| Schools & Colleges |
Specific events and golf lesson as follow: - organised visits from kindergarten children, to show the beauty of a green area near the city (trees and birds) and to know the game of golf - organised visits from elementary and secondary schools to show the beauty of the golf course and of the golf game - organised visits from professors and students of the Padova University at our experimental nursery of bermudagrass and at the golf course, to know management practices and to see the equipment; - on 2012, started a study togheter with Padua University on area left unmowed on the course; - accommodate summer campus, using swimming pool and driving range. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Land Use & Cultural Heritage
Golf della Montecchia provides access and diversified land use for others through:
| Providing opportunities for other recreation (e.g. fishing) |
Summer campus Swimming pool in summer time |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
The following archaeological and heritage surveys have been undertaken at Golf della Montecchia:
| www.lamontecchia.it (web site of bordering Count Emo Capodilista Estate) | |||
| Title | Author | Date | View Document |
|---|
Golf della Montecchia does not consult any organizations regarding the conservation of cultural heritage.
Golf della Montecchia undertakes the following activities to conserve cultural heritage features:
| Buildings (Listed Buildings / Ancient Monuments etc) |
The clubhouse is a restored and adapted old tabacco warehouse of the bordering farm of Count Emo Capodilista. The Count property include the Mottolo Castle (about 1200) and the Villa Emo Capodilista of architect and painter Dario Varotari (about 1560). |
| Historic Features (Hedgerows / Dykes / Moats / Cairns etc) | Canals system is part of the reclamation work of Bacchiglione river. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Communications
Golf della Montecchia undertakes the following internal environmental communications:
| Provision of newsletters, notice boards & poster displays |
News letter montly. Dedicated notice board in club house. |
| Course guides / brochures |
Illustration of some fauna and flora living on the golf course in the web site. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
Golf della Montecchia undertakes the following social and environmental advocacy activities:
| Website, press releases & brochures |
Specific "Golf & Environment" section in the web site. Interactive sighting animals on the web site. Articles on national and local newspaper. |
| Supporting campaigns |
Official support of "Impegnati nel Verde", the environmental Recognition program of IGF. Official support to F.A.I. (Fondo ambiente Italiano) also with economic contribution (subscription fee and donation of charity tournament fees). |
| Course walks / open days | Partecipation at first "Open days" organised by Italian Golf Federation -June 2012 |
| Joint practical projects with community |
Partecipation and organisation at projects organised by IGF and Ministero dell'Istruzione to introduce golf to local school . Partecipation and organisation, in collaboration with institute for disabilities, at project focused to introduce golf to disabled people. |
| Activity | Description |
|---|
