1. Scottish Golf Union Greener Events Carolyn Hedley

2. SGU are going greener…. 12 years support of the Scottish Golf Environment Group Advice to Scottish Golf Clubs on Nature Conservation, Landscape and Cultural Heritage, Water, Waste and Energy We award Scottish Golf Environment Certificates – recognising excellence Need to make sure our own operations are sustainable and SGU Events are a key area to go greener…….

3. Why are we making our Events greener? To meet all environmental legislation Minimise pollution risk / environmental impact Improve Health & Safety standards Conserve resources and reduce costs Maintain good community relations Create a positive corporate image

4. SGU Events 12 National Scratch Championships 3 National Handicap Championships Junior Tour Events International Events Scotland v England Boys U16’s International every second year Scotland v Spain every four years Home Internationals every four years Seniors Home Internationals every four years European Team Championships on average every 8 years

5. Page Heading (font size 28) Different courses /venue characteristics/diverse age range/open/closed/ stroke play/team events Experience was gained from Golf Environment Organisation Eco- event guidelines used in larger scale golf event such as the Ryder Cup Following the 2008 Home Internationals Championship we have produced standard ‘SGU Green Events Guidelines’ with support from EventScotland

6. Key steps in Green Golf Event Management Event Environmental Policy - Venue and organisers commitment Action Plan - Establishment of appropriate structures and systems and identification of all relevant environmental actions Partnerships Internal and External Communication / PR

7. Nature Conservation and Site Protection Appraise site’s ecology, wildlife and habitats, landscape and cultural heritage, any designations (nature reserves, SSSI’s, SAC’s, SPA’s, etc.) Identify and rope off any particularly sensitive areas within and adjacent to site at risk from spectator trampling or contractor’s vehicles and equipment Plan haulage routes, spectator access and siting of facilities to avoid damage. Use protection tracks if necessary especially in bad weather Plan site reinstatement to check and repair any damage to wildlife habitats (e.g. re-seeding or replacement planting) after the event

8. Risk Assessment and Pollution Prevention All chemicals and fuels must be stored according to legal obligations Buffer zones and other water quality control measures must be put in place including interception of runoff from car parks and compound areas Areas of safety risk to staff and spectators must be identified and added to a H&S Incident Plan Procedures and contact numbers for injury to persons, wildlife and pollution incidents should be included in the plan Spill kits and extinguisher locations should be marked on the plan and staff trained in their use

9. Waste Management Conduct a Waste Audit to identify current and predicted waste streams and management practices at the venue and during the event A Green Purchasing Policy should be developed. The Club and caterers are encouraged to use local suppliers and reusable, recycled and recyclable products where possible Waste Management: Reduce: Minimise the materials and products brought onto site (e.g. leaflets/ media/hospitality gifts/packaging) Reuse: Ensure all signage / promotional materials can be reused at future events where possible as part of an ongoing event management programme

10. Waste Management Waste Management: Recycle: Work closely with Club, Caterers and all other contractors to ensure key wastes are recycled where possible e.g. Plastic, cardboard, Glass, Cans and Paper Spectators and staff should be encouraged to use separate bins at well signed strategic points across the site and then waste recycled at Local Council approved site

11. Energy Efficiency Conduct an Energy Audit to identify all current and predicted energy use and management practices Energy efficient generators if required to power the catering outlets and other temporary facilities All air-conditioning and refrigeration units for hospitality and catering facilities should be HFCs and HCFCs free Ensure the best possible insulation and ventilation of marquees

12. Energy Efficiency Energy saving devices such as low energy lighting fittings, timers and sensors in clubhouse, maintenance facility and temporary event lighting Electric buggies and utility vehicles are to be used where possible Include the possibility of carbon offsetting the event (i.e. planting equivalent trees /grasslands to counter balance the amount of carbon generated by the event organisation, running and spectators)

13. Sustainable Transport Spectators should be made aware of the public transport options available. Good signage must be in place for parking facilities Park and Ride Schemes shall be put in place where appropriate Players and officials should be accommodated as close to the venue as possible and expected / encouraged to use shuttle buses using ‘green fuels’ where possible (LPG preferred) and journeys minimised Electric buggies and service vehicles are to be used within the venue where possible Switch to cleaner fuels and greener energy

14. Communication / PR Internal: Staff and contractor briefing of procedures and H&S Incident Plan Environmental support during the event External: Signage, advertising, programme and flyers promoting green message Liaison with local community to address any local concerns Awareness raising through the media to sporting community and public

15. Carolyn Hedley Scottish Golf Environment Group carolyn.hedley@sgeg.org.uk www.scottishgolf.org www.sgeg.org.uk 07921 606560