A New Approach

The modern sustainability agenda increasingly drives government policy, legislation and consumer expectations.

Corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship are now expected from all developers, and evidence of environmental damage and unethical business practices can seriously impact profitability and public reputation. During the 2008 downturn, for instance, “green” housing was one of the few areas in real estate that saw any demand.

As a result, delivering social and environmental performance cuts to the heart of successful business planning, and a proactive approach to sustainability will deliver significant bottom line benefits through public good will, efficiencies, increased marketability and higher returns on investment.

Some of the benefits of a sustainability-focused development approach include:

Faster planning approvals

Environmental and social reasons are the most common cause for a project to be refused planning consent, resulting in by far the greatest potential for government or community induced delay. Faster approval times can be gained by investing in site and community research and a proactive approach to sustainability, which can result in less conflict. Contrast this to a spendthrift approach that ‘saves’ consulting fees and avoids environmental and social issues until they are forced upon a project because of local opposition. The resulting additional carrying costs and lost revenue due to delayed opening can far exceed any initial savings.

Doing research and aiming for long-term sustainability allows the project team to:

• Become the site experts and know more about the local environment than potential critics
• Have knowledge to counter unfounded attacks
• Address most public and regulatory concerns before they are voiced
• Generate credibility and public and official confidence in the project from the start

Given the costs and potential risk in golf course development, it is vital that investors in a project are confident of its success. A steady pace toward regulatory approval and demonstrated community acceptance reduces the likelihood of investor withdrawal.

Lower capital investment and construction costs

Deliberately working with existing contours and mature vegetation minimizes engineered solutions, earthmoving, planting, and irrigation and thus reduces investment and construction costs. Further, potential problems due to hydrological changes, impeded drainage, erosion, die-back or wind throw of trees, over-shading of playing areas, and inappropriate planting and seeding can all be avoided.

More unique selling points (USPs)

Retaining local, natural features and tapping consumer interest in sustainability and healthy lifestyles offers a golf facility a superior competitive advantage in the marketplace. A higher quality product, more positive public profile and a basis from which to articulate social and environmental responsibility can set one facility apart from its neighbours and enable more compelling marketing messages.

Reduce long-term maintenance expense

Investing in a large and resource-intensive land-based business that fails to insulate the business from rising resource costs increasingly represents a business risk. A more considered approach to planning and design can insulate the business from price increases and conservation restrictions to positively impact asset values.