I know it is not a totally new idea to replace plastic bottles with aluminium bottles. However, I welcome every effort that serves to improve the sustainability of the game and the golf club itself.
In November, I have already mentioned the Al Hamra Golf Club‘s similar action. They are the first golf club in the entire Middle East region to go fully plastic-free.
Now Saadiyat Beach Golf and Yas Links Abu Dhabi (owned by Aldar Properties) are becoming plastic-free.
To understand the plastic consumption of these clubs:
- Over 300,000 plastic water bottles are consumed by golfers across Troon Abu Dhabi properties on a yearly basis!
Troon Abu Dhabi‘s goal now is to reduce this figure by 40% in 2020. I think the aluminium bottle is a better choice than a glass bottle.
Both materials are 100% recyclable. Glass bottles will keep their purity and quality over time. Recycled glass can be substituted for up to 95% of raw materials.
It is also good to know that
- Aluminium can be recycled within 60 days.
- Recycling aluminium uses 90% less energy than making a completely new one.
- In a landfill, aluminum and tin cans will stick around for decades.
My assumption is that golfers will prefer aluminium bottles since they have lighter weight and don’t have to worry if the bottles fall off.
I have just read in Forbes Magazine:
“Paper or card options typically have a polymer coating that can be challenging to recycle.”
These golf clubs in Abu Dhabi will use the same water refilling method that I found at Arabella Golf Mallorca.
Members and guests will be encouraged to use and refill their own reusable water bottles from the water coolers throughout their round. This follows the lead by the R&A who removed single-use plastic bottles at the 2019 Open Championship.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club – Abu Dhabi – sustainability
If we are already talking about these three golf clubs’ sustainability efforts, then it is noteworthy to share with you what Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is doing in addition to going plastic-free in 2020.
They are actively participating in the Audubon certification process to become a certified sanctuary. The International Audubon Society is dedicated to protecting diversity in bird species.
A cool fact:
The golf club is home to over 180 bird species, families of Mountain Gazelle and is also a natural nesting area for the Hawksbill turtles.
The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club are already accredited for a number of certifications; such as
- Environmental Planning,
- Water Conservation,
- Water Quality Management, and
- Chemical use Reduction and Safety.