With the launch of its new website – www.golfenvironment.org – the Golf Environment Organisation has stepped forward as golf’s leading global non-profit authority on sustainability.
Bringing together knowledge, guidance and a pioneering certification programme for golf facilities, GEO has cemented its reputation for combining a strong and unifying vision for sustainable golf, with a logical approach to addressing priority issues in golf facility development, management and the staging of golf events.
Commenting at the website launch, during the BMW PGA Championship, George O’Grady, chief executive of The European Tour, and long time partner of GEO made clear, “The Golf Environment Organisation is essential to golf’s future. With an energetic approach towards constructive collaboration, they have managed to unify golf and environmental organisations behind a positive vision for sustainable golf. Their focus on delivering the tools and solutions that the sector needs has driven business benefitting improvements in golf’s environmental performance.
“There is absolutely no doubt that golf is stronger, more respected, more widely valued and better understood as a result of GEO’s groundbreaking work. Long may they stand as a dynamic and insightful environmental partner to The European Tour and the industry as a whole.”
GEO chairman, Bjorn Nordberg reinforced the organisation’s commitment to engage with the sector, whilst retaining objectivity. “We have worked hard to establish an organisation that truly understands golf, can constructively drive industry performance and yet retains the courage and ability to speak openly about what it sees in the sector,” he said. “There is no room for green-wash. GEO is interested in supporting credible and meaningful action.
“That said we are witnessing golf embrace a sustainable future – becoming ever more determined to combine valuable economic development, with increasingly accessible healthy recreation, and a balanced contribution to environmental enhancement and the efficient use of resources. In this way, golf is aligning its actions with the values of players, sponsors, government and the general public.
“We are proud of the strong partnerships we enjoy with Europe’s golf bodies, and are extremely grateful for their enthusiastic support over the last four years. In particular The European Tour has embraced a vision in which golf should be internationally recognised for enhancing environmental quality. Today we acknowledge all that they have helped GEO to achieve.”
Benjamin Warren, GEO’s director of communications added, “Environmental issues are global. Harnessing the power and reach of digital communications enables GEO to disseminate valuable knowledge and guidance to all corners of the planet, helping the many professionals who are practically involved in developing new golf facilities, managing existing facilities and staging golf events.
“GEO Certification a credible, trusted and accessible recognition programme for golf. Developed through years of collaboration, its carefully crafted on line interface enables all golf facility to connect with local and global audiences, on issues of real resonance.”
Professor Magnus Enell, internationally recognised advisor in environmental economics and member of the GEO Advisory Council, expressed his support, “This announcement should be taken seriously by both the golfing and environmental sectors. GEO’s work exemplifies how sport and business can become truly engaged in environmental and social issues. There is of course more to do, but GEO has created a platform from which golf can now push on and prove itself to be a leader in integrating social, environmental and economic benefits.”
With the launch of the website, GEO Certification becomes officially open to any golf facility, anywhere.
Certification is complimented by the comprehensive Knowledge and Guidance sections of the website. With the additional support of the European Golf Association, GEO has supported certification with cutting edge information and tools that raise understanding and drive the environmental performance of golf facilities.
Golf Environment Organisation www.golfenvironment.org