I want to see more golf clubs and resorts incorporating ESG into their core business strategy. Sustainability is no longer an optional consideration for golf clubs and resorts!
According to a report by Booking.com, 83% of travelers (including golf travelers!) regard sustainable travel as essential, and the demand for eco-friendly accommodations has significantly increased.
This shift reflects consumers’ growing awareness of environmental issues and highlights the importance of incorporating sustainable practices into the hospitality industry.
The most effective way to inspire golf club guests/members to embrace sustainable practices is by designing facilities and services that make eco-friendly behaviors easy or even automatic.
Implementing sustainability trends in golf clubs necessitates comprehensive measurement to evaluate their impact and formulate a continuous improvement plan.
Monitoring consumption data is crucial for identifying inefficiencies, setting objectives, and improving strategies over time.
Hence, I’m thrilled to see that all golf courses at Vilamoura Golf have achieved GEO Certification.
The Old Course, Pinhal, Millennium, and Laguna courses have all attained GEO Certification and have received Biosphere Certification following the successful implementation of various projects.
These initiatives have been recognized for their effectiveness in reducing water consumption and chemical usage while promoting the preservation and enhancement of the local environment within the Algarve resort.
What does it take to become Biosphere Certified?
The “Biosphere Certified” designation is a formal certification that acknowledges destinations and organizations that adopt sustainable tourism practices.
It assures us that they are actively fulfilling their commitments in alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
The Old Course, the second oldest golf course in the Algarve, has garnered commendation for its strong commitment to sustainability.
This commitment is exemplified by several initiatives, including
- the development of a new pump station aimed at reducing energy consumption [I wrote about it in 2019.]
- the establishment of a pine management program and
- a positive contribution to local biodiversity.
Furthermore, the course adopts a proactive strategy towards resource efficiency.
The Millennium has been acknowledged as an exemplary model of environmental stewardship within the golf industry, primarily due to its implementation of
- water-efficient irrigation systems,
- effective tree management strategies, and
- a dedicated effort to minimize its ecological footprint.
Laguna has garnered recognition for its commitment to protecting local ecosystems and for implementing a renovated irrigation system that has resulted in a 20% reduction in water consumption.
Concurrently, Pinhal has received a commendation for its social initiatives, which include
- support golf education for youth, and collaborate with local organizations to foster sustainable positive impacts within the community.
DETAILS manages all operational aspects of Vilamoura Golf, operating under Arrow Global‘s strategic vision.
The organization is dedicated to elevating Vilamoura‘s status as a leading destination for sports and leisure activities worldwide.
