Tag Archive for: Sustainability

Free Sustainability Assessment Tool from GroundsFest Academy

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Free Sustainability Assessment Tool from GroundsFest Academy: The GroundsFest Academy, in collaboration with John Moverley OBE, has launched a free online sustainability assessment tool designed to help organisations evaluate and strengthen their sustainable practices.

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a core requirement across the industry, yet many organisations are still uncertain about what practical steps they should be taking. The new tool has been developed to help address this challenge by providing a straightforward first step for businesses and organisations to generally assess where they currently stand.

Free Sustainability Assessment Tool from GroundsFest Academy

Free Sustainability Assessment Tool from GroundsFest Academy

Through a series of simple questions, the online tool enables users to assess how well their organisation is performing, identify what more could be achieved with existing resources, and discover the skills and information already available to them. It also helps highlight areas where further improvements might be made.

Developed by GroundsFest Academy with input and advice from John Moverley, the initiative brings together practical industry knowledge with a clear focus on supporting organisations at every stage of their sustainability journey.

John is widely recognised as one of the amenity industry’s most respected voices and brings a breadth of experience across all areas of the sector. An elected Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies, he also holds honorary Fellowships from both the University of Central Lancashire and Myerscough College.

Commenting on the new initiative John said:

“It is important that organisations of any size or type demonstrate sustainable practice and, increasingly, it is being seen as a requirement in many aspects of activity. However, particularly at practitioner level, there remains some uncertainty about what steps to take.

Also, many are undertaking sustainable practice to varying degrees but may not always be aware of this. This online tool seeks to help organisations make an initial assessment of how well they are doing already and seeks to create a starting point both for them to assess what more can be done and the skills and information available to them. I am delighted to support this initiative led by the GroundsFest team.”

The tool can also highlight where further support may be beneficial, including opportunities for a more detailed sustainability audit, training, or one-to-one discussions with specialist consultants.

Chris Bennett, Marketing Director for GroundsFest, said:

“Sustainability is one of the biggest priorities for the industry and for many organisations it can be difficult to know where to begin. This tool provides a simple but effective way for organisations of all sizes to take a step back and assess what they are already doing and where there may be opportunities to improve. We’re also delighted to be working with John Moverley on this initiative. His knowledge, experience and standing within the industry bring enormous value to the project.”

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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Seven Solutions for Water Sustainability

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Seven Solutions for Water Sustainability: Syngenta Golf has published a new in-depth feature on the critical challenge golf course businesses face to become water sustainable.

Featuring seven solutions and case studies from Arizona and California to Spain and Italy, leading voices and superintendents share their insights.

Seven Solutions for Water Sustainability

Seven Solutions for Water Sustainability

With 2025 already set to be one of the three warmest years on record, global water scarcity is now an existential threat to many golf businesses.

And with AI (Artificial Intelligence) expected to double or quadruple its demand for water to cool thermoelectric power plants by 2028, industry and agriculture will be the big users competing for supplies.

Mark Birchmore, Global Head of Marketing, Turf & Landscape for Syngenta, said: “We know from our groundbreaking global social media study analyzing 16.1 million social media posts and comments worldwide that the perception of golf courses in relation to sustainability is highly negative, especially when courses are irrigating during heat waves and droughts.

“What this feature highlights are both the misconceptions and misinformation surrounding golf and sustainability, but also how golf course businesses need to better communicate their irrigation strategies and actions – as well as the wider sustainability benefits they bring to communities, including economic and social benefits.

The new feature follows the launch of Syngenta’s mini-documentary series The Green Report, showcasing leading golf courses’ approach to environmental sustainability around the world.

The series begins with a compelling three-part feature at this year’s Ryder Cup host venue, Bethpage State Park in New York, where water collected from an old landfill site is treated and used to supplement irrigation.

Explore New Feature: How Golf Can Become Water Sustainable

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Suståne supports sustainability goals of Mjölby Golfklubb

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Suståne supports sustainability goals of Mjölby Golfklubb: GEO Certified and described as an ‘outstanding role model for sustainability in golf’, Sweden’s Mjölby Golfklubb provides an interesting mix of nine holes played on open former-farmland and nine holes in dense parkland – all maintained to the highest environmental standards. An important part of this is a nutritional programme orientated around organics – more specifically, 6-2-4 Turf Revival® and 5-2-4+Fe from Suståne.   

Sustainability is a priority across many aspects of the club operation, a philosophy shared and implemented by Course Manager Peter Ihrebrink and the greenkeeping team of four. The work to protect and develop nature and community, while being sympathetic to water, energy and material resources has seen Mjölby highly ranked in a number of global golf club awards, including in the ‘International’ category of the highly prestigious ‘Golf Environment Awards’.

Suståne supports sustainability goals of Mjölby Golfklubb

Suståne supports sustainability goals of Mjölby Golfklubb

“We had been using organic fertilisers for a number of years before making the switch to Suståne – a decision we made after thorough discussion with our local distributor CropHealth AB” describes Peter. “After conducting soil analysis we settled on a programme of two or three applications of Suståne 6-2-4 Turf Revival® during the main growing season, followed by one application of 5-2-4+Fe to provide an extra boost of nutrients and long-lasting slow-release nitrogen as we head into the winter months.”

Suståne Turf Revival® 6-2-4 is designed to replenish the soil with a rich supply of humus and mycorrhizal fungi, to improve the uptake of nutrients and boost overall plant health. Particularly beneficial for us around renovations or intensive maintenance, the mix of macro and micronutrients contributes towards optimal plant establishment and quick green-up, followed by up to eight weeks of uniform growth and colour.

“This is something we have certainly noticed – that we achieve greener grass without the lateral growth creating a healthier turf surface that looks and performs better.” In addition, Peter notes the reduction in disease activity the team have noticed since switching to Suståne. “Overall we have also seen a decrease in disease activity, though the ever-changing climate does mean we are constantly monitoring this.”

He adds, “We really value the advice and close working relationship we have with CropHealth AB who conduct regular soil samples to make sure the programme is on track and delivering the results we expect. We are seeing improvements in the composition of our profile which is giving us the strong foundation we need to support more sustainable grass species and create top-level playing surfaces without the need for artificial chemicals or products.”

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Origin wins at Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards

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Origin wins at Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) proudly announces its success at the prestigious Pro Landscaper Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards 2024, held on 15th October during the FutureScape event.

OAS won the Sustainable Product (Soft Landscaping) of the Year award for its innovative Carbon4Grass range of grass seed, a product designed to help tackle the dual challenges of environmental sustainability and high-performance landscaping.

Origin wins at Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards

Origin wins at Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards

The Pro Landscaper Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards celebrate excellence across the landscape industry, recognising companies and products that lead the way in sustainability, biodiversity enhancement, and environmental innovation. This year’s ceremony brought together key stakeholders, professionals, and sustainability advocates from across the sector, making it a landmark event for the industry.

Carbon4Grass from OAS was highlighted for its significant contribution to environmental sustainability. This is a pioneering range of grass seed mixtures where each specification is specially formulated to lock carbon from the atmosphere into the soil while providing high-quality surfaces, making it an invaluable tool for those aiming to meet their carbon reduction and sustainability goals. The innovative blend of grass species promotes soil health, supports strong ecosystems, and helps reduce overall carbon footprints in both urban and rural landscapes. Carbon4Grass is tailored for use across all landscape and amenity environments, making it versatile and impactful in enhancing green spaces.

The FutureScape event, where the awards were announced, is one of the most important trade shows in the UK landscaping calendar, attracting over 200 exhibitors and thousands of visitors. The awards recognise the crucial role that sustainable products and practices offer in today’s environmentally conscious world​.

“It’s a privilege to receive this award for our Carbon4Grass range. Sustainability is a key focus at Origin Amenity Solutions, and this recognition shows that our efforts are making a tangible impact. We’re committed to developing products that enhance the health and performance of landscapes and contribute to the environment in meaningful ways. This award is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication to driving positive change in the sports, amenity, and fine turf sector.”

The Carbon4Grass range was praised for its innovation in addressing the environmental challenges of modern landscaping. It provides long-term solutions to issues such as soil degradation, water retention, and carbon capture. Its sustainability-driven design supports the preservation and restoration of ecosystems, reinforcing OAS’s reputation as a leader in environmentally focused products and programmes.

The Pro Landscaper Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards continue to highlight trailblazers in the industry, spotlighting those committed to shaping a greener, more sustainable future. OAS’s achievement highlights and recognises it as a supplier committed to sustainability innovation.

For more details about the Carbon4Grass range and Origin Amenity Solutions, visit www.originamenity/com

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Royal Cromer supercharges sustainability mission

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Royal Cromer supercharges sustainability mission: Royal Cromer Golf Club, ranked in England’s Top 100, has doubled down on its commitment to sustainability with the help of Toro and Reesink Turfcare, expanding its fleet with three new Toro eTriFlex 3370 electric mowers and an upgraded Toro irrigation system.

Under the leadership of Course Manager Mark Heveran, who joined the club in 2010, Royal Cromer in Norfolk has already made impressive strides in terms of sustainability, working in collaboration with the R&A’s sustainable agronomy team, and reducing herbicide, pesticide, fungicide, and water use across its maritime, clifftop course.

Royal Cromer supercharges sustainability mission

Royal Cromer supercharges sustainability mission

Additionally, Royal Cromer has cut nitrogen inputs by over two-thirds and transformed the botanical composition of its turf, favouring bents and fescues for their improved resistance to drought, disease, erosion, and compaction.

As Mark explains, the next step on Royal Cromer’s green mission had to be investing in three new powerful Toro eTriFlex 3370 all-electric mowers, supplied by Reesink: “Being a Top 100 English club, we have more eyes on us than ever, so there’s never been a better time to upgrade our existing fleet. 

“Two of the mowers are eight-bladed and set up for tees and surrounds, while the other is eleven-bladed and perfect for greens,” he continues. “And the benefit with this setup is that they’re fully interchangeable. 

“We can easily swap the different units from one machine to another, giving us real versatility on the course. Each eTriFlex 3370 comes fully loaded with grooming brushes, which allow us to tiller the turf, removing any debris and preparing the grass leaf for the perfect cut. These mowers have been excellent so far, and the advancement in quality of cut is truly phenomenal.”

Given the course’s challenging clifftop terrain, safety is a key consideration for Royal Cromer, and one Mark takes seriously. “All our new Toro mowers are equipped with three-wheel drive kits,” he reveals. “For our coastal course, with its ranging undulations, these are perfect; the machines stick to the ground, so there are no sliding issues – which gives me peace of mind.”

In addition to the mowers, Royal Cromer has upgraded its existing Toro irrigation system. As part of the club’s mission to improve its biodiversity, Mark and the team are replacing artificial walkways with new natural alternatives, which will, of course, require irrigation. 

“Although we’ve added more sprinkler heads, we’re using the most up-to-date Lynx software from Toro to monitor and optimise our water usage,” explains Mark. “For the last 10 years, it has helped us reduce our water outputs significantly, monitoring and delivering our irrigation, right down to the millimetre.”

Indeed, Royal Cromer’s commitment to sustainability is part of a broader vision for the club’s promising future. “We’re setting up Royal Cromer for hundreds of years to come,” says Mark. “I see myself and my dedicated team as the custodians of this golf course, following in the footsteps of greats like Old Tom Morris, who played an important role in designing our course. And our goal is to take people on a journey, through a historic coastal golf course, while ensuring we operate as sustainably as possible.”

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