Sport and Environment Spotlight Shines on Denmark

.”]Over the coming weeks Copenhagen will host a series of events that could radically reshape the future of government, business, society, … and golf.

Between the United Nations Climate Change Conference and the XIII Olympic Congress, important decisions will be made that may well prompt an explosion of golf on the one hand, and a limitation on ecosystem degradation and carbon emissions on the other.

How is this circle going to be squared and has there has ever been a more important time to define and deliver sustainable golf? In this maelstrom, one pioneering golf facility has stepped up to the mark.

Denmark’s Viborg Golfklub has shown leadership in the sector by achieving GEO (Golf Environment Organisation) Certified status, golf’s most prestigious environmental award.

With the Danish Golf Union (DGU), GEO and local government figures present at the award ceremony, Viborg’s new state-of-the-art maintenance facility hosted the team of staff and volunteers that worked to achieve the award, as well as a good turnout from the membership.

A case study in sustainable golf

Recognising their efforts, GEO’s Director of Communications Benjamin Warren said: “Viborg Golfklub have demonstrated a commitment to become a resource efficient, ecologically rich, community integrated golf club, delivering ever increasing standards of environmental management.

“Through the direct action of clubs like Viborg, golf facilities have the potential to play their part in driving sustainable lifestyles and sustainable livelihoods. Their Certification report, available for anyone to read on the GEO website, is a case study in sustainable golf.”

Torben Kastrup Petersen, Head of Golf Course Management at the Danish Golf Union, expressed his pleasure that Danish Golf was continuing to play a role at the forefront of environmental innovation: “Viborg have set a fantastic example as an international pioneer in this extremely valuable programme. GEO have put together a streamlined and effective programme that will drive credible continual improvement in golf facilities.

“The DGU recognises GEO Certifiation as a vital mechanism in attaining our vision of golf as a social, economic and environmental asset to the people of Denmark.”

“It has been a fantastic experience for the board and the staff of Viborg Golf Club to work towards the GEO certification,” says the President of Viborg Golf Club, advocate and consul Uffe Steffensen. “Our staff proposed to go for certification and the board gave immediately backing to the proposal. Since then everybody has worked hard and with eagerness to achieve the certification. We take it for granted to offer our contribution to the environment and to continue the project we have started.”

Europe’s greenest golf nation

Whilst in Denmark to present Viborg’s award, GEO teamed up with the DGU to stage a one-day certification workshop at the Odense Golf Club. After working with the participants to begin the registration process and get them ‘On Course’ for GEO Certification, the DGU looks forward to a groundswell of participation as the race for recognition as Europe’s greenest golf nation gathers pace.

Meanwhile, Gordon Shepherd, WWF Director of International Policy and GEO Advisory Council Member, who will himself be in Copenhagen for the Climate Change Summit, looks forward to driving a hard line as the UN convenes to thrash out a new global climate treaty:

“Viborg Golfklub has demonstrated their voluntary commitment to reduce resource consumption, CO2 emissions and maximise the ecosystem services derived from their course. Against this backdrop, governments and governing bodies around the world must step up to the mark, show bold leadership and establish the policies that ensure future generations can live, work and play on a healthy and equitable planet.

“Each and every individual on this planet has a responsibility to minimize their impact on the natural environment and climate. As relatively large land owners and potential catalysts among members and local communities, golf facilities have an important role to play in this drive and Viborg should be proud of their pioneering achievement.”

Further information on GEO and Viborg’s Environmental Programme is available at www.golfenvironment.org/certification.