Grange achieves GEO Certification
Wild flowers at Grange Golf Club in Rathfarnham, Co Dublin
As world leaders meet in Glasgow to accelerate action on climate change at the COP26 climate summit, golf clubs are working to become more sustainable and Dublin's Grange Golf Club is the latest to be GEO Certified.
GEO Certification is assured by the GEO Foundation – the not-for-profit organisation dedicated to delivering programmes that help people on the ground to evaluate, improve and credibly communicate their sustainability work across the agenda of nature, resources, community, and climate action.
GEO Certified symbolises an excellent golf environment, confirming that Grange, the home club of former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, satisfies all GEO certification criteria.
This means the club meets a credible standard in nature, resources, and community and is committed to continual improvement.
The club is delighted that this global accolade recognises the outstanding work of the environmental committee, club management and all of the course and clubhouse staff. "Grange Golf Club is delighted and honoured to have received GEO certification, which recognises our commitment to the environment and sustainability agenda," said Michael O'Keeffe, Captain of Grange. "My thanks to all the team for their hard work and dedication bringing this key milestone in our environmental journey to fruition."
Grange has implemented many environmental initiatives covering nature, resources, climate action and community.
Nature
The club takes its role as custodian of the land very seriously and is committed to fostering nature. This is demonstrated by creating 5 hectares of natural habitat for pollinating insects. Most of these areas are classed as meadow being one cut and collected annually to encourage the development of finer grass species.
Within these areas, 5000m2 are treated as wildflower areas. These areas are prepared and seeded annually, resulting in an explosion of colour and hive of insect activity. This project runs in conjunction with two beehives.
Resources
Conserving resources such as water and energy is important to the club, which considers it has a broader responsibility to ensure it is using as little as possible and trying to be self-sufficient.
The Rathfarnham club has created an organic allotment at the golf club where fruit and vegetables are being grown. A team of volunteer members is driving this project forward, growing potatoes, onions, garlic, beetroot, radishes, spinach, salad leaves, rhubarb, peas and beans, providing the chefs with organically grown produce to be served through the restaurant.
Climate Action
The club has taken several measures to reduce its carbon footprint in and around the course.
Three filtered water stations have been installed at strategic locations around the course. The target is to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles by offering regular opportunities for golfers and staff to fill their reusable water bottles.
This initiative runs in conjunction with regular communication material and the provision of subsidised reusable water bottles. Since the water stations were installed, the volume of water dispensed would be the equivalent of 20,000 single-use plastic bottle sales.
Community
The club works hard to come up with new ideas that help it become a better neighbour. It has created events that encourage members of the local community to interact with the club and course. This is evidenced by working with a local scout group, permitting them to use parts of our woodlands for scouting disciplines such as shelter building and orienteering.
"This is a very well managed and presented club with the benefit of extensive woodland, natural habitats and wildlife," said Maurice Bergin, a GEO accredited Independent Verifier. "Club management alongside committee are working closely to continually enhance the club's environmental and sustainable initiatives and have a clear vision to further improve the facilities and reduce their overall environmental impact."
