Golfplatz Klosters

About this Report

Publication of this report indicates that Golfplatz Klosters has been assessed against the GEO Certification Criteria and awarded GEO Certified™ status.

Each section of this document covers a key area of environmentally sound golf facility management. As defined by the Golf Environment Organization, these are: Nature, Landscape & Heritage, Water, Turf, Waste, Energy, Education & Awareness and Management Planning.

To maintain this award Golfplatz Klosters will be re-certified by a GEOSA Accredited Verifier before November 1st 2013.

Facility Details

Golfplatz Klosters is a golf facility comprising:

Courses

• Golfclub Klosters (9 holes)

Clubhouses

• Golfclub Klosters

Other

• Pro Shop
• Practice Facilities
• Halfway House
• On Course Toilet Facilities

Nature

The Klosters Golf Course was built in 2004. Early in the planning stage, a preliminary environmental impact assessment was made. The golf promoters cooperated with the NGO’s Pro Natura and WWF, mandating Oeconsult, Amden, with the ecological planning. In close cooperation with the golf architect, Les Furber, Canada, and specialized planners, many project optimizations could be worked out. As part of the building permit dossier, an environmental impact statement was submitted. The building permit was granted without delay (no legal objections).

During construction a maximum of on-site biotops were preserved and compensation measures for the construction impacts were implemented. A detailed maintenance and care plan has been worked out and a monitoring program with selected indicators (birds / insects / vegetation) was conducted. The final audit by the authorities documented the great ecological value and the legal compliance of the new golf course in 2009.

Der Golfplatz Klosters wurde 2004 gebaut. Bereits bei der Zonenplanung wurde eine Voruntersuchung der Umweltauswirkungen gemacht. Die Bauherrschaft arbeitete zusammen mit Pro Natura und WWF und beauftragte Oeconsult, Amden, mit der ökologischen Planungsbegleitung. In enger Zusammenarbeit mit dem Golfarchitekten, Les Furber, Canada, und Spezialisten konnten viele Projekt-Optimierungen ausgearbeitet werden. Ein Umweltverträglichkeits-Bericht wurde im Rahmen des Baugesuches vorgelegt. Die Baubewilligung konnte ohne Einsprachen erteilt werden.

In der Bauphase wurden möglichst viele wertvolle Biotope erhalten und Ersatzmassnahmen für die unvermeidlichen Eingriffe ausgeführt. Ein detaillierter Pflegeplan wurde ausgearbeitet und eine Wirkungskontrolle anhand von ausgewählten Indikatoren (Vögel / Insekten / Vegetation) durchgeführt. 2009 wurden im Rahmen des abschliessenden Behörden-Audits die bedeutenden ökologischen Werte und die Umweltverträglichkeit des neuen Golfplatzes bestätigt.

Designations

Golfplatz Klosters features areas that are designated or protected at the following levels:

• Local Government
• Self Appointed
• Informal NGO

Surveys

The following ecological surveys have been undertaken:

Title	Author	Date
Botanical	Atragene, P. Weidmann	2009-08-18
Birds	M. Kern, Klosters	2010-05-31
Invertebrates	H.U. Tinner, Landquart	2010-05-31
Fauna & Flora	OECONSULT, Dr. H.U. Müller-Yersin	2010-05-31
Environmental Impact Statement	Naef & partner GmbH	2000-12-12

Habitats

Estimated area of habitats at Golfplatz Klosters:

• Rough ‘ecological’ grassland: 3 ha; of Local Importance
• Scrub and shrub vegetation: 2 ha; of Local Importance
• Native woodland: 2 ha; of Local Importance
• Wetlands: 1 ha; of Local Importance
• Open water features: 1 ha; of Local Importance

Golfplatz Klosters has undertaken the following activities to improve the landscape ecology of the site:

• Connect patches with external habitats
• Improve and diversify habitat edges

Species

Rare, protected and notable species occurring at Golfplatz Klosters [Latin names]:

• Saxicola rubetra
• Decticus verrucivorus
• Andrena barbilabris
• Thyreus orbatus
• Pulsatilla alpina subsp. apiifolia
• Ranunculus aconitifolius L.
• Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Br.
• Dactylorhiza maculata

Consultation

Golfplatz Klosters consults with the following nature conservation organisations:

Activities

Golfplatz Klosters has undertaken the following activities to enhance nature protection:

Activity	Description
Ecological Consulting	Annual 'eco-check' and consultancy by OECONSULT, Dr. H.U. Müller-Yersin, 8873 Amden SG

Aims & Objectives

Golfplatz Klosters has the following key objectives for maximizing its ecological value:

• conserving biodiversy
• enhancing public awareness

Landscape & Heritage

The Klosters Golf Course is situated above the community of Klosters-Serneus, Switzerland, in a richly structured moraine-landscape at 1’250 m above sea-level surrounded by the famous mountain regions of Madrisa, Gotschna and Silvretta.

On the steep hillsides the traditional grassland farming (late haying) has preserved a very colourful local flora, including many rare and protected species. In these meadows alongside the golf infrastructure with their rich and varied micro-habitats an abundance of butterflies, grasshoppers, rare bee species and other insects as well as a great many bird species can be observed.

Der Golfplatz Klosters liegt etwas oberhalb der Gemeinde Klosters-Serneus im Kanton Graubünden auf 1´250 m üM. in einer reich strukturierten Moränenlandschaft zwischen den drei bekannten Bergregionen Madrisa, Gotschna und Silvretta.

Durch die traditionelle Graswirtschaft mit spätem Heuschnitt wurde auf den steilen Bergwiesen der Umgebung eine farbenprächtige Flora erhalten mit vielen seltenen und geschützten Arten. In diesen Blumenwiesen neben den Golfbahnen mit ihren mannigfaltigen Kleinstlebensräumen sieht man viele Schmetterlinge, Heuschrecken, seltene Bienen und andere Insekten sowie auch viele Vogelarten.

Designations

Golfplatz Klosters features the following landscape designations:

• Historic Landscapes / Parklands
• Areas of Scenic Beauty
• Geological

Golfplatz Klosters features the following cultural heritage designations and protected features:

• Archaeology (Settlements / Agricultural Systems etc)
• Other Historical Features (Hedgerows / Dykes / Moats / Cairns etc)
• hedges
• stone piles

Surveys

The following landscape assessments and appraisals been carried out at the site:

Date	Title
2002-10-14	Environmental Impact Statement

The following archaeological and heritage surveys have been carried out at the site:

Date	Title
2002-10-14	Environmental Impact Statement

Consultation

Golfplatz Klosters consults with the following organisations on landscape and cultural heritage issues:

• Pro Natura Graubünden
• WWF Graubünden

Activities

Golfplatz Klosters undertakes the following activities to enhance landscape and cultural heritage:

Activity	Description
late haying of hard roughs	Conserving the colorfull biodiversity of the alpine hay-meadows (no fertilizers, late hay-cut after July 15th)

Aims & Objectives

Golfplatz Klosters has the following key objectives for conserving or enhancing its landscape and cultural heritage value:

• Conserving traditional alpine grassland farming and hay-barns

Water

Water is drawn from the public mains network of the Klosters municipality.

Das Wasser wird vom öffentlichen Netz der Gemeinde Klosters- Serneus bezogen.

Consumption

Water sources

	Primary Source	Secondary Source (if used)
Clubhouse	Public / Potable	Public / Potable
Golf Courses	Public / Potable	Public / Potable
Accommodation	Public / Potable	Public / Potable
Maintenance facility	Public / Potable	Public / Potable
Other	Public / Potable	Public / Potable

Water consumption (m3)

	2009	2008	2007
Clubhouse	125	126	162
Golf Courses	11962	6680	9045
Accommodation	N/A	N/A	N/A
Maintenance facility	88	151	166
Other	N/A	N/A	N/A

Irrigation

Golfplatz Klosters does not use irrigation.

Golfplatz Klosters irrigation system is Fully computer controlled.

This irrigation system is serviced every 12 months.

This irrigation system is upgraded every 10 years.

This irrigation system is calibrated every 3 years.

Golfplatz Klosters do not incorporate evapotranspiration rates and weather data into their irrigation programme.

Golfplatz Klosters monitors soil water content to minimise irrigation and improve turf quality.

Analysis

Golfplatz Klosters undertakes environmental monitoring of water quality.

	Chemical	Biological	Last Test Date	Tester
Inflow	No	No
On-site	Yes	Yes	2008-06-27	Amt für Lebensmittel Graubünden
Outflow	Yes	Yes	2008-06-27	Amt für Lebensmittel Graubünden

The key findings of these tests were:

die Grenzwerte werden überall problemlos eingehalten.
das Weiherwasser enthält weniger Nitratstickstoff als das Bewässerungswasser.
Nitrit- Stickstoff kann in keiner Probe nachgewiesen werden.

Activities

Golfplatz Klosters has undertaken the following activities to conserve / reduce / minimise water consumption:

• Minimise irrigated area
• Irrigate in the evenings
• De-compact the soil
• Grass species selection
• Regular inspections for irrigation system leaks
• Soil moisture analysis
• Use of wetting agents
• Gathering of evapotranspiration data

Golfplatz Klosters undertakes the following activities to protect and enhance water quality:

• Maintain vegetative buffers
• Creation of swales and attenuation areas
• No spray zones
• Erosion control
• Pest and disease tolerant grass selection
• Informed selection of fertiliser type
• Informed selection of pesticides (least toxic, least persistent)
• Naturalisation of pond margins to improve oxygenation

Aims & Objectives

Golfplatz Klosters has the following key objectives for conserving water quality and minimizing water consumption:

• We reduce our water imput to a minimum, continue to improve water quality.

Turf

We support the spontaneous growth of grass species without any kind of tilling obstinacy. Only Greens, Tees and Fairways are subject to sawing, all the other areas of the course are left natural.

Golfplatz Klosters maintains the following turfgrass species:

Greens

• Creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera)

Surrounds & Approaches

• Fescue (Festuca rubra)
• Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

Tees

• Fescue (Festuca rubra)
• Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

Fairways

• Fescue (Festuca rubra)
• Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

Semi-rough

• Fescue (Festuca rubra)
• Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

Golfplatz Klosters regularly undertakes the following practices to improve turf health:

• Hollow Coring - 2 times per year
• Top Dressing - 10 times per year
• Micro Tining - 2 times per year
• Verticutting - 8 times per year
• Deep Anti Compaction - 2 times per year

Nutrition

After a analysis of the soil we assess an annual fertilizing plan to compensate deficiencies, we use slow release ferlilizer and organics.

The greenkeeping staff feed the following areas of the golf course:

• Greens
• Tees
• Fairways
• Semi-rough

The nutrition programme at Golfplatz Klosters is informed by:

• Soil Analysis
• Visual Appearance

Fertiliser use in 2009

	Nitrogen (kg/year)	Phosphate (kg/year)	Potassium (kg/year)
Greens & surround	125	30	120
Tees	80	25	73
Fairways	180	100	80
Semi Rough	0	0	0
Rough	0	0	0

Golfplatz Klosters has no further fertiliser data.

Pest & Disease Control

Im Herbst und im Frühjahr.
Vor allem präventiv gegen Schneeschimmel

Pesticide use:

• Fungicides - If Necessary
• Herbicides - If Necessary
• Insecticides - If Necessary
• Lumbricides - Never
• Growth Regulator - If Necessary

Golfplatz Klosters keeps detailed records of pesticide application.

Pesticide use in 2008

	Fungicide		Herbicide		Insecticide
	Active ingredient	kg	Active ingredient	kg	Active ingredient	kg
Greens & Surrounds	Heritage	4	Dicotex	15
	Switch /Bravo	5
Tees			Dicotex	20
Fairways			Dicotex	25
Rough

Golfplatz Klosters has no further pesticide data.

Thresholds for using pesticides at Golfplatz Klosters:

On evidence of actual damage

Golfplatz Klosters selects pesticides with the following attributes:

• Toxicity - Low
• Persistence - High
• Solubility - High
• Specificty - High

Scouting at Golfplatz Klosters:

	Frequency / month	Scout
Greens	30	Superintendent
Tees	15	Deputy Superintendent
Fairways	10	Greenstaff
Semi Rough	1	Greenstaff

Activites

Golfplatz Klosters does not undertake any activities to minimise / reduce pesticide use.

Aims & Objectives

Golfplatz Klosters has the following key objectives for achieving high quality playing surfaces in an environmentally responsible manner:

• An absolute minimum input of chemicals and maximum use of mechanical methods to preventdisease outbreak

Waste

The golf course knows about the crucial importance to manage waste produced by the facility, therefore it is managed the best way posible.

Management

Waste streams for Golfplatz Klosters

	Avoid	Re-use	Recycle	Landfill	Incineration	Registered Uplift	2009 Totals (kg)
Glass	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	100
Plastic	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	No	300
Aluminium	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	50
Metal	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	600
Paper	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	1200
Cardboard	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	500
Electrical	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	100
Grass Clippings	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	3000
Cores	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	6000
Turf	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	0
Sand	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	0
Wood / Timber	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	1000
Leaves	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	300
Detergents	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	0
Cooking Oils	Yes	No	No	No	No	Yes	0
Lubricants	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	0
Pesticide Containers	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	50
Fertiliser Bags	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	100
Oil Filters	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	10
Batteries	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	400

Golfplatz Klosters has secure storage for hazardous material.

Diesel are stored in over ground thank
Chemical in a secure chemical safe

Surveys

Golfplatz Klosters has not undertaken a waste audit.

Waste Water

Golfplatz Klosters manages its water as follows:

	Discharges to:	Legally Compliant?	Formal Discharge Agreement
Clubhouse	Mains Sewer	Yes	N/A
Accommodation	Mains Sewer	Yes	N/A
Maintenance Facility	Via Oil Separator	Yes	N/A
Wash Pad	Via Oil Separator	Yes	N/A

Activities

Golfplatz Klosters does not undertake any activities to reduce resource consumption or minimise waste.

Aims & Objectives

Golfplatz Klosters has the following key objectives for reducing, re-using and recycling waste, and minimizing resource consumption at source:

• reduce waste

Energy

All buildings are connected to the main electic grid
No Heating system (Winter closed)







Alle Gebäude sind am öffentlichen Stromnetz angeschlossen.
Heizung keine vorhanden da im Winter geschlossen.

Consumption

Energy and fuel use in 2009

• Electricity - 40000 Kwh
• Diesel - 5000 Litres
• Petrol - 2000 Litres
• Hydralic Oil - 200 Litres

Golfplatz Klosters has taken the following measures to diversify energy and fuel supply:

• Adoption of green tariff grid supply
• Use of biodiesel and / or ethanol
• Use of electric hybrid vehicles

Surveys

Golfplatz Klosters has not undertaken an Energy Audit.

Carbon

Golfplatz Klosters has not begun to carbon footprint its operations.

Purchasing Policy and Sustainable Supply Chains

Golfplatz Klosters informs suppliers of its environmental preferences:

Where possible all materials are orderd in bulk to save transport costs. Where possible all products are sourced locally keeping transport distance to a minimum.

Purchasing policy for Golfplatz Klosters

(1 = not important; 5 = very important)

• Performance Quality - 5
• Price - 5
• Supplier Service - 5
• Durability - 5
• Energy Efficiency - 5
• Recycleability - 5
• Pollution Risk - 5
• Packaging - 5
• Disposability - 5
• Local Produce - 5

Activities

Golfplatz Klosters has not undertaken any activities to record energy consumption.

Golfplatz Klosters has not undertaken any activities to reduce energy consumption.

Golfplatz Klosters has not undertaken any green purchasing activities.

There are no departments involved in energy saving activities at Golfplatz Klosters.

Aims & Objectives

Golfplatz Klosters does not have any key objectives for reducing energy use or moving towards cleaner and renewable energy supplies.

Education & Awareness

Knowledge

Employees of Golfplatz Klosters 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

Golfplatz Klosters keeps formal staff training records for these departments:

• Greenkeeping
• Administrative
• Catering
• Accomodation

Golfplatz Klosters keeps the following record of accidents in the workplace:

• Number
• Type
• Severity

Response plans for accidents and emergency situations at Golfplatz Klosters

local Doctor, police and emergency services numbers.
There are 4 staff trained to national level medicel standards including use of defilbrators.

Communications

Golfplatz Klosters undertakes the following internal environmental communications:

• Newsletters
• Members evenings
• Course walks
• Displaying awards
• Notice boards
• Poster displays
• Course guides / brochures
• On-site interpretation panels
• Magazine table
• Course signage
• Nature trail

The most successful internal communications project at Golfplatz Klosters has been:

All staff have a safety training course.

Golfplatz Klosters undertakes the following external environmental communications:

• Website
• Course walks / Open days
• Press releases
• Attending community meetings
• Brochures
• Joint practical projects with community

The most successful external communications project at Golfplatz Klosters has been:

local schools

Partnerships

Golfplatz Klosters works with the following external groups:

• Local environmental groups
• Neighbours
• Media
• Local government
• Local community groups
• Schools
• Local businesses
• Authorities
• Colleges

The most successful partnership project at Golfplatz Klosters has been:

local schools

Aims & Objectives

Golfplatz Klosters has the following key objectives for educating and raising environmental awareness amongst staff and golfers:

• The communication of projects taking place and there completion is upmost importence. The more the Golfer and Staff are educated the more understanding we all have of our natural habitat and surrounding areas.

Management Planning

Environmental Policy (PDF)

Environmental Policy_GC Klosters _3_.pdf

Environmental Management Plan

Golfplatz Klosters has an Environmental Management Plan covering:

• Nature
• Landscape & Culture
• Water
• Turf
• Waste
• Energy
• Education & Awareness

The Management plan was first introduced: 2004-03-02

Golfplatz Klosters review the management plan every:

• 6 Months
• 1 Years

Golfplatz Klosters monitor the progress of the scheme as follows:

Twice annual meetings of ecological committee. Protocols of all meetings are made and worked to.

Working Group

Golfplatz Klosters has an environmental working group, comprising the following individuals/organisations:

• General Manager
• Course Manager
• Committee Members
• Technical Specialist
• Local Government
• Local Community
• Local Environmental NGO

Accreditation

Golfplatz Klosters belongs to the following accreditation or award schemes:

• Local / Regional Scheme

Key national environmental legislation with which Golfplatz Klosters complies:

• Comply with building permits regarding the size of environmentally sensitve areas. Habitat, flora, birds and insect inventories.

• annual water tests

• Recycling programme

• Correct disposal of waste products and packaging

• none specific

Aims & Objectives

Golfplatz Klosters has the following key objectives for effectively planning its proactive and long-term environmental management:

• To protect natrual enviroment and only use legal and correct methods and materials

Verifier

• David Bily