Sports Pitches Used to Capture Heat in Landmark Initiative

Sports Pitches Used to Capture Heat in Landmark Initiative

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Sports Pitches Used to Capture Heat in Landmark Initiative

A technology used in the Netherlands is seeing heat captured by synthetic turf sports pitches for the first time, with a single field able to heat up to 300 homes for a year with green energy.

Sports Pitches Used to Capture Heat in Landmark Initiative

Sports Pitches Used to Capture Heat in Landmark Initiative

The development contributes to a wider sustainability commitment from the Dutch sports sector, which aims to achieve a 95% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the Roadmap for Improving Sustainability in Sport[1] and the wider Dutch Climate Agreement.

As part of the commitment, the Sustainable Sports Facilities team within the Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity (Kenniscentrum Sport & Bewegen) is, in collaboration with other organisations, supporting municipalities and local sports clubs to raise awareness of practical solutions, such as heat collector fields, that can help reduce carbon emissions, contribute to regional sustainability targets, and provide a benefit to the local community.

The fields function by capturing the heat from the surface of synthetic turf, and then distributing it via underground pipes below the pitch. This heat can be used directly or stored to provide a consistent source of energy throughout the year. This has the added benefit of cooling down the surface of the pitch, helping to ensure a safe and comfortable playing surface for users.

Leander Lignac, Specialist Sustainable Sports Facilities at the Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity, said: “As an independent and neutral organisation, one of our goals is making owners of sports facilities aware of the possibilities within sustainability. Turning synthetic turf sports pitches into a source of green energy is all about impact – using a single space in multiple ways to solve many challenges at once.

“Space in the Netherlands is sparse, especially in the cities – so when it’s possible to use conveniently located pitches not just for sports, but for sustainability goals too, these facilities become more future proof. While this technology is not yet widespread, it has the potential to deliver a significant reduction in carbon emissions when scaled up.

“Ultimately, the sports sector needs to be future proof, and as part of that journey, it is our job to make municipalities and local sports clubs aware of these solutions to help them be realised across the Netherlands.”

To date, heat collector fields have been installed in Eindhoven, Zaanstad, Gouda, and The Hague. The heat captured from each field is being used to supply a variety of nearby buildings – from sports facilities, homes, and swimming pools to primary schools and daycare centres.

With at least 1,250 synthetic turf football pitches across the Netherlands, the technology has the potential to cut national CO2 emissions by up to 0.45 megatons per year, with further opportunity for multi-use synthetic turf pitches. The municipalities of Amsterdam and Haarlem, together with SRO, are already targeting the renewal of more than 250 synthetic pitches as part of the Scale Up initiative. The heat collector field technology will be used in the project wherever it fits.

Stefan Diderich, Director General/CEO at EMEA Synthetic Turf Council (ESTC), said: “This technology is a prime example of the wider benefits that are being delivered through synthetic turf every day. These fields not only provide a high-quality playing surface, but a source of clean, renewable energy that communities can be built around.

“We not only hope for this technology to be scaled up across the Netherlands, but for other countries to look and learn from this, as this has the potential to deliver an extraordinary amount of good on a global scale.”

Find out more about ESTC and heat collector fields

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GroundsFest Academy showcases sports surface expertise

GroundsFest Academy showcases sports surface expertise

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GroundsFest Academy showcases sports surface expertise

GroundsFest Academy welcomed grounds professionals from across the industry for its latest CPD-accredited event, Preparing Surfaces for Sports, held at Plymouth Football Club’s Home Park Stadium.

GroundsFest Academy showcases sports surface expertise

GroundsFest Academy showcases sports surface expertise

Delivered in partnership with leading industry specialists Fleet Line Markers, Net World Sports, and Husqvarna, the event provided attendees with practical knowledge, expert guidance and hands-on experience covering the key elements involved in preparing and maintaining high-quality sports surfaces.

Bringing together professionals from a wide range of sectors including sports turf, education, local authorities, contractors and professional sports facilities, the event created an excellent opportunity for attendees to share experiences, build connections and gain valuable insight into the latest techniques, equipment and technology shaping the industry.

The practical, insight-led day featured a programme of expert sessions and demonstrations, covering everything from pitch preparation and line marking to equipment selection, safety procedures and the future of turf maintenance technology.

Delegates began the day with Fleet Line Markers, exploring the 3-4-5 method for setting out pitches, alongside the different types of paint available and how to select the right solution for different surfaces.

A facilities tour of Home Park Stadium then provided an insight into the requirements of maintaining a professional sporting venue, before the afternoon sessions focused on selecting the correct equipment, carrying out safety checks and best practices for storage with Net World Sports.

The event concluded with a session on robotic mowing and the role of automation in modern sports surface management, delivered by Husqvarna, before delegates reflected on the key learnings from the day and received their CPD certificates.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Bradley Tennant, Director of Education at GroundsFest Academy, said:

“It was fantastic to welcome such a diverse group of grounds professionals to this latest GroundsFest Academy event. Preparing sports surfaces requires a combination of knowledge, experience and the right equipment, and the aim of the day was to provide practical advice and insight that attendees can take back and apply in their own environments.

“The sessions delivered by Fleet Line Markers, Net World Sports and Husqvarna showcased the expertise and innovation available within our industry, while the discussions between delegates highlighted the value of bringing professionals from different sectors together. It was a great day of learning, networking and sharing best practice, and we look forward to continuing to deliver events that support the development of grounds professionals.”

GroundsFest Academy continues to provide valuable education and development opportunities for the industry, combining expert knowledge, practical demonstrations and networking to support the ongoing advancement of sports surface management.

The free sustainability assessment tool is now available at www.groundsfestacademy.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFestAcademy for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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Husqvarna becomes Friend of First Green initiative

Husqvarna becomes Friend of First Green initiative

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Husqvarna becomes Friend of First Green initiative

Husqvarna has become the first major industry body in the UK to sign up as a Friend of First Green, reinforcing the robotic mowing manufacturer’s commitment to supporting the future of the golf industry through education and innovation.

Husqvarna becomes Friend of First Green initiative

Husqvarna becomes Friend of First Green initiative

Delivered by BIGGA, First Green is an outreach initiative designed to introduce young people to careers in greenkeeping and golf course management, using golf courses as outdoor classrooms to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, maths and environmental stewardship.

Since launching in the UK in 2022, First Green has continued to build momentum across the industry, with 27 events delivered to almost 1,000 students involving 90 BIGGA members across the UK and Ireland. The programme supports both primary and secondary school engagement, helping clubs connect with local communities while showcasing the evolving role of modern turf management.

In becoming a Friend of First Green, Husqvarna will support the programme’s continued growth and help introduce more young people to the opportunities available within an industry increasingly shaped by technology and innovation.

“Supporting the future of the golf industry means helping inspire and educate the next generation about the opportunities available within modern golf course management,” said Jonathan Snowball, Husqvarna UK’s Head of Business Unit Professional. “First Green is playing an important role in introducing young people to the science, technology and innovation behind the industry, while helping challenge perceptions around what a career in greenkeeping can look like.”

Through its autonomous mowing solutions and continued investment in turf care technology, Husqvarna is helping golf facilities explore new approaches to long-term maintenance. Working directly with golf facilities, tournament venues and industry bodies across Europe to demonstrate how robotic technology can support high-quality playing conditions while helping golf facilities improve operational efficiency.

“It has been fantastic to see First Green continue to grow across the UK, helping introduce more young people to the world of modern golf course management,” said Jenny Bledge, BIGGA Workforce Project Manager. “Showcasing the science, technology and innovation behind the industry is a key part of the programme, and Husqvarna’s support is particularly valuable as robotics and autonomous technology start to play an increasingly important role in the future of greenkeeping.”

First Green continues to expand across the UK and Ireland, helping golf facilities connect with schools and local communities through hands-on learning experiences focused on ecology, machinery, technology and land management.

Husqvarna will be actively supporting First Green events across the UK over the coming 12 months and is keen to hear from any golf facility planning to host a session.

For further information on Husqvarna, visit https://link.edgepilot.com/x/0NiafhRmgKbXGY-AOnr_ca0?u=https://www.husqvarna.com/uk/

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Jack Roberts joins Toro UK as Territory Manager

Jack Roberts joins Toro UK as Territory Manager

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Jack Roberts joins Toro UK as Territory Manager

Toro U.K. Limited has appointed Jack Roberts as Territory Manager for the North of England and Scotland, further strengthening support for Dealers and customers across both the Hayter® and Toro® brands.

Jack Roberts joins Toro UK as Territory Manager

Jack Roberts joins Toro UK as Territory Manager

Jack joins the business with extensive experience in the grounds care industry, having worked in Dealer Development, technical support and commercial sales. His background includes time with Stihl GB, where he worked closely with UK Dealers on sales campaigns and product training, followed by a role as Area Sales Manager at Cramer, supporting Dealers with commercial customers and product demonstrations. Craig Hoare, Sales & Marketing Manager – Toro U.K. Limited, said:

“I am really pleased to have Jack join the team. We had several highly qualified applicants for the role, so it was a very competitive field. But it was Jack’s drive and enthusiasm, combined with his commercial experience which clinched it. I look forward to Jack utilising his sales and demo experience to support our network of Dealers.”

In his new role, Jack will support both Hayter and Toro residential and landscape contractor portfolios across his territory. He began with Toro UK on 6th July.
Commenting on his appointment, Jack said:

“I am really excited to be taking on this new challenge. I look forward to meeting with some old and some new faces across the territory, where I feel I can add real value to the Toro UK dealers.”

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Origin Amenity strenghtens biostimulant portfolio

Origin Amenity strenghtens biostimulant portfolio

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Origin Amenity strenghtens biostimulant portfolio

Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) has expanded its nutritional portfolio with the introduction of Fiata Boost, an advanced microbial biostimulant developed to help turf managers maintain stronger, more consistent playing surfaces against the backdrop of increasingly challenging conditions.

Origin Amenity strenghtens biostimulant portfolio

Origin Amenity strenghtens biostimulant portfolio

As budgets tighten, weather patterns become more unpredictable and playing schedules intensify, products to support plant performance throughout the season are becoming evermore critical. Designed to compliment existing agronomic programmes, Fiata Boost from Envu provides a practical solution for improving consistency without requiring significant changes to established maintenance practices.

Unlike products focused primarily on masking stress or enhancing colour, Fiata Boost combines carefully selected microbial and biostimulant technologies – working alongside existing nutritional programmes to encourage enhanced root development, improved resource efficiency and promote more resilient turf surfaces.

In extensive internal and external trials, areas treated with Fiata Boost have repeatedly shown improved turf quality and uniformity, particularly during periods of environmental stress where untreated surfaces become patchy or inconsistent. Trials have also highlighted enhanced resilience and recovery following exposure to heavy wear, heat and drought, with stronger rooting helping the plant to make more efficient use of available water and nutrients.

For turf managers, ease of application is another major advantage. Fiata Boost integrates seamlessly into existing spray programmes and is designed to complement nutritional and plant protection strategies already in place. Its use is particularly well suited to early season transition, periods of summer stress, intensive playing schedules and post-renovation recovery.

Technical and Research Lead for OAS, Kelly-Marie Clack, said “With the addition of Fiata Boost to our portfolio, we continue to lead the way with innovative technologies that deliver real, practical benefits and support the production of high-quality playing surfaces throughout the year. When used proactively as part of a planned seasonal programme, Fiata Boost looks set to help fine turf and sports turf managers build greater consistency and resilience before challenging conditions arise.”

For more information on Fiata Boost visit www.originamenity.com or speak to your local OAS Technical Sales Manager.

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