This past spring McMahon Group conducted a Pulse Survey in conjunction with the National Club Association, Dr. SoJung Lee of Iowa State University, and Jim Butler, general manager at Grey Oaks Country Club in Sarasota, Fla., about environmental behaviors and practices in private clubs. This is the first study of its kind. We thank the 297 clubs that responded to the survey and provided great information about what they are doing to be more environmentally conscious for their members and local community.
The key findings from the survey are summarized in this article. To order the complete Pulse Survey report, please visit mcmahongroup.com and click on Reports & Club Trends.
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
Sustainable Practices: Seventy-four percent of survey respondents stated they have sustainable practices. The top reasons why they adopted sustainable practices include the desire to be an environmental steward (55%), club member preference (43%) and environmental/regulatory pressures (37%). Fifty-nine percent of those clubs that stated they do not have sustainable practices plan to implement practices in the future.
Funds for Sustainable Practices: Only 15 percent of respondents allocate funds specifically for sustainable practices with the average amount being $49,357.
GOLF SUSTAINABILITY
A little more than 76 percent of respondents stated they have a golf course at their club. The top environmental practices implemented by these clubs on their courses include:
· Proper storage facilities for chemicals/fertilizers (88%)
· Irrigation run times controlled by central computer (86%)
· Have native grasses that are not mowed (67%)
· Reduced fertilizer inputs (61%)
· Reduced amount of irrigated turfgrass area (59%)
Golf Course Water Practices: Respondents were asked which water practice(s) they use on their golf course for irrigation purposes:
BEHAVIOR PRACTICES
Respondents were asked to rate their agreement with statements regarding environmental practices at their club:
| Statement |
Agree |
Disagree |
Neutral |
| We are an environmentally responsible club |
70% |
4% |
26% |
| Our members care about the club operating as an environmentally responsible organization |
66% |
4% |
30% |
| It costs the club more money to be a more environmentally responsible organization |
60% |
11% |
29% |
| My club has adequate technical knowledge and skills to implement environmentally responsible behavior |
57% |
12% |
30% |
| The economy alters the priority given to environmentally responsible behavior |
44% |
23% |
32% |
| Our members do not want to pay more in order to be a more environmentally responsible organization |
38% |
25% |
37% |
| Clubs have no motivation to be environmentally responsible |
11% |
68% |
21% |
| The national organizations in the club industry do not encourage clubs to be environmentally responsible |
9% |
44% |
46% |
| My club hesitates to implement environmentally responsible behavior as it may interrupt our work process |
8% |
67% |
25% |
| My club has had a negative experience with implementing environmentally responsible behavior |
6% |
73% |
20% |
Respondents were asked to select which environmental behaviors and practices they are practicing at their club. The most frequent practices/behaviors include:
· Use environmentally safe products on golf course (85%)
· Reduce amount of water on all club property (78%)
· Use more recyclable products (75%)
· Staff training programs (56%)
· Receive support from leadership (56%)
· Engaging in voluntary programs like Audubon International (56%)
ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES
Respondents were asked which initiatives have been implemented at their club and the most popular initiatives include:
· Upgraded lighting systems and controls (82%)
· Purchased locally sourced food (80%)
· Installed programmable thermostats (73%)
· Placed recycle bins in the clubhouse (69%)
· Made HVAC systems more efficient (68%)
· Properly recycled old electronics (63%)
FROM THE MANAGER
Respondents’ open-ended comments include:
· “It’s only going to get more regulated, so those ahead of the curve will have the least wake up call.”
· “It is time we start to change the culture of private clubs regarding our environment.
· “Sustainable does not mean it costs more. I have found great reductions in cost due to reducing inputs, water, electricity and propane.”
· “This has been on my mind to be more active with. I look forward to the survey results to hopefully gain support from my board.”
· “In theory it would be wonderful to become more environmentally conscientious—the lack of funds makes it impossible at this time.”
CONCLUSION
We thank all the managers who completed the survey. The data we gather is very helpful to understand what is going on in our industry. Please be on the lookout for future Pulse Surveys in 2016.
For more information about McMahon Group’s Pulse Surveys, please contact Bill McMahon, Jr. at [email protected].
Club Trends Summer 2016