Gleneagles is awash with the flags and banners of Europe and the USA this week, but another colour is also featuring strongly – green – as event organisers and partners work to make this one of the most sustainable golf tournaments yet.
The ‘Green Drive’ aims to ensure nature is protected; resources are used as efficiently as possible; and that the event leaves positive legacies for the local environment and community.
Edward Kitson, Director with Ryder Cup Europe, said: “Thanks to the efforts of many Ryder Cup partners, contractors and suppliers, we are delighted to deliver a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Ryder Cup. We hope that spectators will contribute as part of their experience, by sharing a car, using the efficient park and ride, contributing to our recycling programme and respecting the sensitive natural landscape of Gleneagles as they enjoy the atmosphere.”
At the heart of the initiative sits the Zero Waste to Landfill target and plan – which has been driven with the support of key contractors and suppliers, including William Tracey recycling company, Spectrum cleaning services and caterers, Compass and Mecco.
Iain Gulland, Director, Zero Waste Scotland, the publicly funded body that guided the plan said: “Events are a key area for us to focus on, given the volumes of waste that can be generated and also because of the range of high-profile events which Scotland boasts.
This creates an opportunity to engage and raise awareness amongst large numbers of people. We are impressed by the voluntary and proactive approach Ryder Cup Europe has adopted, and pleased to have been able to support in this significant step towards zero waste events in Scotland.”
Ryder Cup Europe and partners have been working for a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Ryder Cup.
• NO WASTE, ONLY RESOURCES – Spectators, suppliers and contractors are teaming up to help make this the first Ryder Cup to achieve zero waste to landfill. As part of the ‘Recycle for Scotland’ campaign, the main recycling, cleaning and catering contractors are working together to maximise the amount of materials separated for re-use and re-cycling before, during and after the event.
• CLEAN ENERGY – The biomass heating system at Gleneagles provides 74% of the hotel’s air and water heating, while almost 30% of the fuel that powers the tented village is recycled vegetable oil.
• LIGHTER FOOTPRINT SUPPLY CHAIN – From grandstands and tents, to food and beverage, environmentally and ethically award winning suppliers have helped find new ways to reduce the impact of staging the event.
• GOOD CAUSES – In partnership with the Scottish Government this year’s Ryder Cup brings additional environmental legacies through extended support for The John Muir Trust (Scots born founder of the US National Parks movement); Auchterarder Zero Waste initiative; Biodiversity on Perthshire Golf Courses; and Perthshire Countryside Trust.
• VENUES DRIVE THE GREEN – Both Gleneagles and Blairgowrie (home to the Junior Ryder Cup) have been awarded the golf industry ecolabel GEO Certified®.
Auchterarder Golf Club also carries this accolade. This international certification has been awarded to the club for their on-going work in nature conservation, resource efficiency and community engagement.
For more information about the Ryder Cup Green Drive and sustainability in golf, visit www.golfenvironment.org/ryder_cup_2014_greendrive