Sustainability is not just being “green.” Sustainability is a practice in which human and environmental resources are managed in a socially responsible way. More than a buzzword, sustainability is quickly becoming an eco-friendly routine that realizes value for your club and boosts your bottom line.
Particularly in the hospitality industry, more and more businesses are implementing sustainable practices to benefit employees, consumers and the planet. Industry associations, such as the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and National Restaurant Association (NRA), are developing initiatives to support members as they become more eco-friendly. As the philanthropic arm of GCSAA, the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) funds more than $1 million annually in environmental programs, including scientific research, education, information collection, outreach and scholarships. The NRA’s Conserve Web site educates restaurateurs on how to take small (and large) steps over time to make a difference for the future of the planet, as well as be positive for business.
Here are some steps clubs can take towards sustainability:
Bring sustainable products to the menu. Use locally produced, certified organic food that is free of pesticides, hormones and toxins, and also food that’s in season. People describe healthy food as real food and fresh food, meaning whole grains, fewer processed foods, with less artificial flavoring and colors. Local food is fresher due to reduced travel time—it’s picked ripe.
Purchase sustainable products. Find sustainable suppliers and sources. Examine the environmental impact from all sources in your operations. Do you get your food products from overseas? Remember, when local businesses thrive, the community thrives. Promote the names of local farms that source your menu ingredients.
Reduce resource consumption through conservation and recycling. Look for ways to reduce, reuse and recycle your waste. By recycling products like cardboard and cooking oil, a business can turn waste into revenue. Make purchasing decisions that include environmentally friendly products and products that use less packaging. A look into your trash bins can highlight places to change habits and practices.
Conserve water and practice environmentally sound irrigation and maintenance of golf courses. Modern irrigation technology and alternative water sources are ways clubs can conserve water. According to GCSAA, approximately 56 percent of golf courses have completed upgrades to their irrigation systems over the past ten years, and approximately 12 percent of courses currently use recycled water for irrigation. Golf course design, construction and management should implement environmental standards to strengthen the compatibility of golf and the environment. Remember, “brown is the new green,” and cyclical browning of courses is becoming more acceptable today.
Reduce use of toxins and hazardous materials. Improvements to fuel storage, equipment washing pads and chemical storage and handling facilities are simple ways to reduce exposure to necessary chemicals. Also, replace harsh chemicals for cleaning with newer, non-toxic products. This small change benefits your employees as well as the environment.
Create a club plan for responsibility. Aside from the easy ways to reduce energy costs, such as replacing light bulbs and purchasing Energy Star equipment, clubs should pick one area in which to focus and set a goal, such as cutting back energy costs by five percent. Once you achieve your goal, pick another. Start small and conservation will become a part of your operations.
Get certified. There are many ways to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable practices. Third-party certification from an organization such as the U.S. Green Building Council or the Food Alliance is seen by businesses and consumers as a seal of approval. Certifications can increase member confidence in the product, validate the value of clubs’ practices and possibly point out ways in which clubs can improve. Not all clubs can afford to rebuild the clubhouse to LEED standards; however, those that can realize ROIs in utility savings and increased energy and water efficiency.
Communicate a sustainable message. Be environmental ambassadors for your sustainability efforts—it will pay off in the recognition from club members. Socially responsible actions are expected, and when communicated effectively by staff, give members greater consumer confidence in the club’s efforts, whether the club adds locally produced food items to the menu, installs low flow water faucets in the locker room or purchases a fleet of solar-powered golf cars.
Provide safe and fair working conditions. Monitor your social equity by maintaining professional and progressive human resource management practices. Your club’s brand reputation is tied to the employees who provide services to the club members.
Continually improve practices. Start small and continue to incorporate ideas for conservation and sustainability at your club. Not all decisions to become sustainable save money. But, the goodwill from the community, members and staff is a good investment for the club.
Practicing sustainability will benefit your club. Knowing the amount of energy or water costs saved from new practices or energy efficient improvements can leave its mark on the bottom line in reduced fuel and electricity costs. However, the intangible benefits of happy employees no longer using harsh chemicals for cleaning and members delighted to find organic menu items also contribute to the value your club and brand bring to its employees and members.
For additional resources, download the whitepaper “True Restaurant Sustainability: More success, better future” produced by Fast Casual for more information about sustainable practices for restaurants. Also, check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency for information about incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.