Guidance

Sustainable Events

Launching 2010

Golf events engage and entertain millions. They present an unparalleled opportunity to showcase leadership in sustainability.

Having supported Ryder Cup Europe in the staging of every European event since 1997, GEO's experience and track record in this field is unmatched. In order to support the organisers and promoters of all golf events - no matter how grand or modest their stage - GEO has instigated a project which will see the compilation of the world's first toolkit for the staging of sustainable golf events. The aim for this suite of guidance is to move all golf events towards leaving a lasting positive legacy for golf, the environment and local communities. 

A regular participant at sustainable sport events seminars and workshops, GEO has a decade-long relationship with sport event experts UNEP (the United Nations Environment Programme) and the IOC (International Olympics Committee) founded International Academy of Sports Science and Technology (AISTS) in Lausanne. Together with these partners, GEO is working to integrate our many years experience of planning and supporting golf's highest profile event into the generic framework for sustainable events that was released in 2009 by the AISTS.

"UNEP trust and value the objective and scientific insight that GEO provides on golf, and their vision and drive towards a sustainable future for the sport"

Theodore Oben, Chief, UNEP Sport and Environment

The 2010 Ryder Cup Environmental Action Plan is currently progressing well and will go a long way towards informing this ground-breaking piece of guidance. Key targets for the event include significantly reducing the number of people in cars; moving towards a zero waste event; procurement of Fairtrade and local products, materials and services; use of low carbon vehicles for transportation; and the protection and enhancement of the site ecology, landscape and significant cultural heritage interests.

As the environmental action plan for the event moves into the hugely important ‘procurement’ phase, GEO will be actively comparing the efforts for the 2010 Ryder Cup with initiatives in other sectors and at other events. In particular, the hope is that we will be able to unlock the influence that golf undoubtedly has across its diverse supply chains, and other disparate business interests. 

The Basics

Key components for delivering a sustainable event

  • Work with a committed host venue
  • Define a clear event staging roadmap
  • Produce creative communications
  • Leave a positive legacy for golf, the environment and local communities

10 practical principles for event organisers

  • Commit to sustainability as a team
  • Facilitate accessible venues and services
  • Travel lightly
  • Buy local, ethical and green where practical
  • Recruit local and target populations where practical
  • Operate eco-efficiently & protect sensitive areas
  • Minimize waste to landfill –reduce, reuse, recycle
  • Facilitate community participation
  • Leave a positive legacy
  • Celebrate and share successes

 

Golf Event Toolkit

Outline Content

  • Creating a sustainability commitment and strategy
  • Management
  • Venue selection / enhancement
  • Site, venue and office management
  • Community and supply chain
  • Transportation and accommodation
  • Catering, food and beverage
  • Marketing and communication

Outcomes from applying the GEO / AISTS Golf Event Toolkit

  • Increased sponsorship appeal / staff morale
  • Showcasing sport leadership
  • Reduced costs and risks
  • Improved brand, image and public relations
  • Reduced environmental footprint
  • Increased social and economic benefits