NATURAL TURF
What’s
R
eflecting on 2009, we had the products and services that have environ-
banking crisis, followed by the mental or green credentials. Increasingly
recession and the year culmi- sports and amenity facility managers
nated with the Climate Summit are recognising the value of developing
in Copenhagen, which focused our at- robust environmental policies, which can
tention on the environment. be a great marketing tool.
We’re becoming almost immune to
the cost
the shock messages released by gov- Ecology and grant funding
ernments and environmental pressure Managing outdoor sports or leisure
groups. We’ve seen pictures of polar facilities offers many opportunities for
bears starving through lack of hunting environmental improvements and cost
of going
ground, huge chunks of ice slipping into savings. During many years as an eco-
the sea and rising sea levels swallowing logical and environmental consultant,
small villages in the South Pacific. The I’ve seen opportunities at a variety of
problem seems so big that individuals sites – from public parks, private estates,
don’t feel sufficiently empowered schools and hospital grounds, through
GREEN?
to make a difference, so most of us to cricket squares, Premiership training
take the easy option and simply leave grounds and golf courses. Each presents
it to someone else. its own set of circumstances, but all of-
However, addressing climate chang- fer the opportunity to improve working
Will sports turf
es could offer opportunities for the practices and deliver an environmentally
groundscare industry – by cutting costs sustainable experience for the user.
follow other
and promoting their facilities. Simple measures, such as changing the
industries in going management of non-use areas of the
green? The STRI’s
Marketing opportunities land can bring about considerable eco-
Although most people don’t want to logical gains, while even the most basic
Lee Penrose reports
lose their resource-hungry lifestyles, one of energy surveys and efficiency reports
of the easiest ways to make a difference can save up to 20 per cent on an annual
(and ease the conscience) is to purchase energy bill. Grant funding is available
Burhill Golf Club has reduced its
running costs and increased its
market share of visiting golfers
BURHILL GOLF AND LEISURE
B
ased in the south-east of Eng- (and therefore income) in an attempt to ecological management programme was
land, Burhill Golf and Leisure attract new golfers, or increase the quality developed for each site.
operates 10 golf facilities, rang- of the courses in order to set them apart In addition to the obvious benefits of
ing from pay and play through to the from neighbouring clubs. reducing energy and water bills and im-
prestigious Old Course at Burhill Golf The operator made the decision to proving habitats on the golf courses, the
Club in Walton on Thames, Surrey. improve its market position through group has recorded a significant reduc-
Like many golf facilities at the outset investing in the courses. tion in running costs and has increased
of the recession, the management had An environmental policy was developed its market share of visiting golfers
two choices, to either slash green fees for the group and an environment and through the quality of its courses.
46 Read Sports Management online
sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 1 2010 © cybertrek 2010
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