Sustainability Quick Start Guide
Research indicates that most golf facilities have made several environmental improvements over the years. All facilities can benefit from conducting an environmental assessment, which is an important step in determining risks and opportunities, as well as developing site-specific goals. Once the assessment has been completed a facility can progress toward establishing specific goals and initiatives.
Listed below are recognized general practices as “Quick Start Points” to advance the sustainability of golf facilities.
In addition, the industry supports the utilization of golf-centric, voluntary environmental management programs in conjunction with recognized Best Management Practices (BMP’s) that will help establish, manage and achieve the facility goals. For more information on these programs, utilize the links featured below.
“Quick Start” Points To Advance Sustainability For Golf Facilities
General Facility Practices
1. Identify a champion: Build an effective team across departments
2. Establish an environmental/sustainability policy
3. Implement the means to measure key metrics
4. Establish written sustainability goals
Basic Risk Management
1. Ensure regulatory compliance
2. Train employees to meet and exceed requirements
3. Utilize risk management assessment and practices
Water Use
1. Audit and maintain plumbing and irrigation system
2. Optimize irrigated turfgrass areas
3. Incorporate technology into irrigation decision-making
4. Utilize water efficient technology and equipment
5. Manage the existing golf course conditions and golfer expectations to drive and implement change toward firm conditioning
Water Quality Protection
1. Develop and use a written integrated pest management plan
2. Develop and use a written nutrient management plan
3. Implement BMP’s for cleaning equipment and impervious surfaces
4. Protect surface and groundwater with vegetative buffers and agronomic BMP’s
Energy Use
1. Conduct an energy audit:
2. Improve irrigation pump efficiency
3. Conserve energy or improve efficiency by reviewing equipment, operations and human behavior to implement change
Pollution Prevention
1. Evaluate supplies and suppliers for opportunities to reduce pollution
2. Professionally manage wastes at the golf facility
3. Implement spill prevention and response practices across the entire facility
4. Ensure proper storage and inventory control
Environmental Programs
