Minthis Golf Club in Cyprus has been re-evaluated and successfully achieved GEO status for its outstanding work to foster nature, conserve resources and support the community.
It confirms that Minthis Golf Club complies with all GEO criteria, meeting a credible and transparent modern sustainability standard of best practice in the areas of nature, resources, community and climate action, and that the Club is committed to continuous improvement.
Minthis is delighted that this global accolade recognises the consistent, outstanding work of the course management and the many members of the team involved. Achieving this important re-certification is just part of the ongoing commitment and the team is excited to continue striving for excellence in sustainable golf.
Ourania Lasda, GEO accredited independent verifier, commented: “Minthis Golf Club’s eco-friendly, holistic approach and solid commitment to sustainability was evident throughout my visit and being carefully implemented by the dedicated team. Embracing eco-sustainability by native planting and notable habitat areas with turfgrass management, focus on water efficiency, reduction of energy use and chemical inputs and supporting the local people and community, brings the club strongly to the forefront.”
She added: “Innovative sustainability is a key pillar of the facility and nature is an ever-present element as it is part of a breathtakingly beautiful and protected site. I look forward to seeing how Minthis will continue to thrive in the future.”
NATURE
The Resort’s comprehensive environmental management program and strategic turfgrass management ensure that the course remains a unique golfing environment and valuable natural landscape.
Leaving large areas of natural vegetation on the course in connection with the mapped habitats undisturbed, recording and respecting of environmental sensitive areas (ESA), making use of non-playing areas by planting more vineyards and increasing on-site production of wine, increasing wildflower meadows while reducing the area of maintained turfgrass and encouraging wildlife, selecting native trees, shrubs and herbs when planting are just a few measures.
53% of golf course land at Minthis is natural habitat. The recently updated study on the Natural Habitats and Birds at Minthis Golf Club beautifully illustrates flora and fauna flourishing, breeding, or passing through the golf course area.
The thought-out Turfgrass Management, Golf Course Maintenance Standards and Clubhouse Maintenance Program demonstrate practical measures to prevent and minimise pollution and significantly contribute to safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the Golf Club.
Another biological improvement has been achieved with the increased use of bio-stimulants, wetting agents and plant growth regulators. In 2019 the green keeping team also moved into a new state of the art, eco-friendly golf course maintenance facility.
RESOURCES
Onsite there is a sophisticated water recycling management strategy in place to sustainably maintain the course throughout the year with grey water and recycled rainwater. Since the first GEO certification in 2019, measures like the remodeling of the irrigation lake, wide-ranging fairway drainage work, investing in an innovative pump station control system and a new filtration system enhanced the existing methods.
Reducing mowing maintenance as well as CO2 emissions, fuel consumption and irrigation needs by increased naturalisation of non-playing areas and by changing mowing patterns play a substantial role in our latest golf course maintenance. Examples of energy efficiency at the Clubhouse are the use of LED and low energy lamps, motion sensors, voltage optimizer, low U-Values of Walls, Ceilings/roof and windows and regular energy use audits.
The Club adopted an environmental purchasing policy, engaging suppliers in a pro-active dialogue about sustainability. New cooperation has been reached with sustainable suppliers and brands at the golf course and Pro Shop.
The established waste management system comprises the recycling of 100% PMD, Paper/cardboard and glass, topped by numerous materials from the maintenance facility and Clubhouse with authorized suppliers.
Minthis is also renowned for its home-grown products which include white, rosé and red wine, olive oil, honey, carob syrup, fruits and herbs harvested from the golf course.
COMMUNITY
Our commitment to the community and local environment is a continuous and positive ongoing process. Conserving the historic 12th century Monastery at the heart of the golf course is just one fine example, complemented by the beautiful nature trails starting at the Golf Academy.
Growing the golf program to encourage juniors and students to take up the sport is one of many of the latest activities that has been added to the existing community and charity projects. We are proud of our highly skilled team and grateful to the golf members and partners who have been supportive of all our efforts to date.