St Andrews Links Trust has announced an ambitious set of measures to ensure it meets its pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040 – ensuring a long-term and sustainable future for the Home of Golf.
Work is already underway at the world-famous venue to implement a series of changes across the business – including in building management, retail, catering and on the golf courses.
The sustainability report, Our Journey to a Greener Future, sets out a number of pledges which the Links Trust will meet through actions already taking place and others which will be set out in the coming months, including a coastal erosion management plan.
Built on three pillars of ‘Our Business, Our People and Our Planet’, the strategy focusses on all areas of the organisation to ensure a bright future for St Andrews, the game of golf and the planet.
Pledges contained within the document include:
- A commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040
- Publishing a new coastal erosion management plan in 2025
- Sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2025
- Ensuring 90% of staff receive annual sustainability training to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to promote and practice sustainability in their daily roles
- Diverting 99% of waste from landfill through enhanced recycling and composting programmes in 2025
- Maintaining and enhancing biodiversity by ensuring 99% of species within the estate are native to the UK.
From backroom changes to upgrades across the property, work will transform the facilities for ticket holders, locals and visitors.
The Links Trust has already upgraded its entire fleet of golf buggies switching to electric vehicles, while an increased collection of rainwater and use of bore holes ensures that water used for course irrigation is derived from entirely renewable sources.
In addition, the Links Trust doesn’t allow the use of buggies on its courses, except for those with a medical certificate, blue badge holders, or annual ticket holders over 65, which helps to reduce energy usage and protect the courses.
On the courses, including the Old Course, 100% of cuttings from the grass are composted and made available to St Andrews residents for use in their own gardens.
And the installation of heat pumps and electricity meters in buildings is allowing the Links Trust to monitor and adjust energy use.
Neil Coulson, chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust, said: “As the Home of Golf and the custodians of the historic Old Course, we not only take seriously our duty to protect the land but to lead the way in securing a sustainable future for golf.
“We know there are significant challenges from climate change, but by addressing these head on, having a plan and leading by example, St Andrews Links Trust can help take a leadership role in the sustainability of golf across the UK.
“We are making significant investment and change across our business, underlining the need for strong commercial revenues as we continue to reinvest and ensure we have the best facilities available for all.”
Sustainability ambassadors have been appointed across the business to work within their area to identify changes and take forward actions to help the Links Trust meet its ambitious targets.
Robert Melrose, retail operations manager and a sustainability ambassador, is passionate about creating a sustainable future for the historic organisation – and has been central in reducing waste and emissions.
He said: “We are leading the way with greenkeeping, but behind the scenes too. In retail we do so much to make sure we are sustainable, and we are determined to keep moving forward and do more. I would like to leave a legacy here when it’s time for me to retire and other people take over, I feel very passionately about this.”
Changes in retail practice have seen the Links Trust increase the use of bulk orders to cut down the overall number of deliveries to site, while reusing packaging has cut down waste. Water refill stations have been installed across the Links Trust property in a bid to encourage golfers to bring their own refillable bottles and allowing the business to cut down dramatically on single use plastics.