Tag Archive for: Sustainability

Embracing Sustainability in Amenity Management

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Embracing Sustainability in Amenity Management: BASIS is pleased to announce the launch of its new online course series, ‘The Principles of Sustainable Amenity Management’. In the realm of amenity management, embracing sustainability is not merely a trend—it’s a necessity. 

Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, including esteemed former Amenity Forum Chair John Moverley, this self-paced, four-part course offers an in-depth exploration of essential topics such as policy, biodiversity, water and air pollution management, and integrated approaches. All modules are available via BASIS Classroom, providing a comprehensive and flexible learning experience for professionals in the amenity sector.

Embracing Sustainability in Amenity Management

Embracing Sustainability in Amenity Management

The Principles of Sustainable Amenity Management Online Learning Package

The course is divided into four key modules. Each module can be purchased individually, and participants who complete all four will receive access to a fifth module—a FREE online toolbox kit. This bonus module includes relevant case studies, guides, and the opportunity to take a BASIS-certified assessment.

By enrolling in this course, participants will gain essential knowledge and insights to advance their professional growth. Here’s why individuals at all levels of the amenity sector should consider enrolling:

  1. Understanding Policy & Sustainability in the Amenity Sector Navigate the complex landscape of policies, legislation, and guidance, gaining essential insights from the UK National Action Plan to codes of practice. Participants will build a strong foundation crucial for delivering sustainability.
  2. Building Biodiversity for Amenity Environmental Management Managing amenity areas goes beyond aesthetics; it involves ensuring balanced ecosystems. This module covers habitat management, biodiversity, net gain, and sustainable soil and water management, with expert input from Dr Christian Spring.
  3. Managing Water and Air Pollution in the Amenity Environment As environmental concerns grow, so does the need for effective pollution management. This course provides tools to identify and mitigate pollutants, emphasising sustainable alternatives and evaluating practices through Life Cycle Analysis (LCA).
  4. Planning Integrated Approaches in Amenity Situations Effective weed, pest, and disease management are critical components of amenity management. This module explores integrated approaches and the pillars of successful implementation, enhanced with practical examples and expert insights.
  5. Sustainable Amenity Practice in Action – Case Studies, Assessments & Certification FREE upon completion of the first four modules. This final module ties everything together with relevant case studies, toolkits, and an online assessment, leading to a BASIS certification and additional CPD points.

Through these modules, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable practices in the amenity sector. Designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and implementation of sustainable management practices, this course caters to a diverse audience, from seasoned industry veterans to newcomers, including landscape managers, groundskeepers, and environmental consultants. No previous experience or qualifications are required to complete this course.

For further information and to enrol in the course, visit basis-classroom.co.uk/courses/amenity and see the full series. BASIS Professional Register members will have access to the first module through their membership.

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Wembley Stadium wins sustainability award

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Wembley Stadium wins sustainability award: Wembley Stadium connected by EE was recognised by a panel of industry experts at last night’s Stadium Business Awards, winning the Sustainability & Community category for its recyclable pitch initiative.

The award spotlights the stadium’s commitment to becoming a greener venue.

Wembley Stadium wins sustainability award

Wembley Stadium wins sustainability award

Earlier this year the stadium’s grounds team revealed it had developed a unique new process to make its famous pitch 100% recyclable.

It is believed to be a first in the world of football and the result of a meticulous two-year plan to find a suitable solution to recycling modern-day sports pitches, which are a hybrid of grass and synthetic plastic.

The plastic means pitches do not break down naturally, and the majority of old pitches are sent to waste landfill sites at the end of their life-cycle.

The team at Wembley Stadium came up with a process which allows the plastic to be extracted from the pitch and repurposed. In the first of its kind, they created a bench, made entirely out of plastic from a pitch that saw the likes of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Lauren James and Mary Earps all perform on.

Karl Standley Grounds Manager at Wembley Stadium said: “We’re incredibly proud to have won The Stadium Business Award for Sustainability and Community and be recognised for the team’s incredible efforts.

“By ensuring old pitches don’t go to landfill we have created a cycle that will ultimately reduce our impact on the environment and give something back to local grassroots football along the way.”

For more information about the pitch process click here

For further information about Wembley Stadium contact wembley@mercieca.co.uk

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Powering Sustainability at Paddington Recreation Ground

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Powering Sustainability at Paddington Recreation Ground: Paddington Recreation Ground, in the City of Westminster, has long been a cherished haven for Londoners, offering 27 acres of greenery and diverse amenities since its inception in 1888. Drawing over 2 million visitors annually, this historic parkland boasts a rich tapestry of sports facilities, gardens, and leisure spaces.

To ensure its upkeep and to meet the evolving demands of sustainability, Westminster Council, in collaboration with its leisure contractor Everyone Active, has embarked on a transformative journey, propelled by innovative solutions like the Avant e6 Electric Multi-Functional Loader.

Powering Sustainability at Paddington Recreation Ground

Powering Sustainability at Paddington Recreation Ground

Overseeing the maintenance of the park is Stephen Scott, who has dedicated 12 years to Paddington Recreation Ground, starting from a gardener and ascending to the role of Landscape and Security Manager. He leads a team of 8 landscapers, ensuring the park remains a meticulously kept green space amidst busy urban life. “It is a truly wonderful place and that is why I have been here so long,” he says. “We are fortunate that the site gets a lot of investment from Westminster Council, so it is always improving.”

The decision to integrate electric machinery aligns with Westminster Council’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Stephen notes, “Westminster Council is keen to move our petrol machinery over to electric machinery,” highlighting a shift towards a greener, more sustainable approach. This transition has seen remarkable progress, with Stephen proudly stating, “We were at 20% electric back in 2019, now we are 86% electric in terms of our equipment.”

Central to this transformation is the Avant e6 Electric Multi-Functional Loader, a pioneering solution that combines power, versatility, and eco-friendliness. Powered by a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, the e6 boasts impressive performance metrics, including a 2.8m lift height and a 900kg lift capacity. Its silent operation and zero emissions make it an ideal fit for urban environments like Paddington Recreation Ground.

Stephen recounts the introduction of the Avant e6 to their arsenal of equipment with enthusiasm, emphasising its seamless integration into their daily operations. “We’ve had the Avant e6 since 2021 and it has been a Godsend ever since,” he exclaims. From green waste disposal to heavy deliveries, the e6 has proven its versatility time and again.

Simon Carrig, one of the Landscape Gardeners at Paddington Recreation Ground, attests to the e6’s reliability and ease of use. “It is used every day without fail,” Simon remarks, highlighting its indispensable role in their daily routines. With attachments ranging from buckets to claws, the e6 seamlessly adapts to various tasks, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

“When it comes to battery-life we are able to get all our jobs done throughout the day on one charge,” Simon continues. “The inside of the cab is very comfortable, and it is good in the winter because it has a heated seat.”

Simon also emphasises the e6’s performance, noting its robustness and agility. “I have put it to the test believe me,” he asserts, reflecting on its ability to lift heavy items and navigate tight spaces with ease. Furthermore, its low maintenance requirements and reduced noise emissions contribute to a more favourable working environment.

Ian Royston from Farol, a trusted supplier of groundcare equipment, was instrumental in Paddington Recreation Ground’s purchase of the Avant e6. Stephen commends Ian’s support, stating, “Ian has been supplying equipment to us for years. He first introduced us to the Avant e6, brought it in for a demonstration and we have not looked back since. It is always a great service from Ian and Farol.”

As Paddington Recreation Ground continues to evolve, the Avant e6 Electric Multi-Functional Loader stands as a testament to the power of innovation in driving sustainable progress. With its eco-friendly design and unparalleled versatility, it has become an indispensable asset in maintaining the park’s pristine beauty while reducing its environmental footprint.

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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St Andrews Links Trust recognised for Best Sustainability Project

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St Andrews Links Trust recognised for Best Sustainability Project: St Andrews Links Trust won the prestigious Best Sustainability Project at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards in association with Luxe Scot in recognition of its outstanding work in driving sustainability and climate action. 

Sustainable golf featured prominently at the 11th awards ceremony, held last night (Thursday 21st March) at the five-star National Trust for Scotland’s Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre.

St Andrews Links

St Andrews Links

 

Supported by the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, the international not-for-profit dedicated to helping accelerate sustainability and climate action in and through golf, the Awards judging panel shortlisted five outstanding projects from across Scotland.

The finalists of Askernish Golf Club, Carnoustie Golf Links, Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club, Royal Dornoch Golf Club and St Andrews Links Trust demonstrated outstanding commitment and impacts across the sustainable golf framework of fostering nature, conserving resources, taking climate action and strengthening communities.

However, it was the work that St. Andrews Links Trust do on renewable energy, dune restoration and wildlife conservation, especially the scale and extent of their collaboration with universities and various external agencies, which caught the eye of the judging panel.

Alan Grant, Director, Partnerships and Engagement, GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, said: “Congratulations to St Andrews Links Trust on an inspiring project, and indeed to all the finalists for the collective drive and ambition from so many across golf in Scotland to protect and promote nature, contribute to the circular economy and increase the social value. Their actions are a shining example to clubs across Scotland and beyond.”

VisitScotland, the national body for the development and promotion of tourism in Scotland, has significantly boosted golf’s efforts in sustainability and climate action through its partnership with GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation. The ongoing partnership continues to establish connections and alignment between VisitScotland’s responsible tourism goals, and the sustainability activities being carried out through the leading golf tournaments in Scotland as well as club engagement.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “We all recognise the importance of protecting our magnificent courses and landscapes, which make Scotland such a unique destination. Congratulations to St Andrews Links Trust on winning Best Sustainability Project at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards for their working on bringing sustainability and green tourism to the home of golf.”

Scottish Golf shares the same vision, offering ongoing encouragement and support to clubs. Through their partnership with GEO Foundation, all clubs in Scotland can freely get involved, adopting the new Sustainable Golf Pledge, utilising the free OnCourse support programme, and accessing annual reports of key data and practices, and carbon footprints, and attaining certification for sustainable golf.

Andrew Baptie, Head of Club Services at Scottish Golf said: “Sustainability in golf has long been on the agenda for Scottish Golf, and with the support of GEO Foundation we’ve been able to provide tangible assistance to golf clubs who are looking to progress their ambitions in this area. We all appreciate the scale of the golf estate across Scotland, and how it can be harnessed for positive change. It’s wonderful to see sustainability work in golf clubs recognised and celebrated as it becomes key to ensuring our clubs continue to thrive in the future.”

The Scottish Golf Tourism Awards play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable practices within the golf tourism industry, inspiring clubs worldwide to embrace environmental and social impact. By acknowledging and celebrating these achievements, the awards aim to encourage continuous innovation and progress towards a more sustainable future for golf tourism in Scotland and beyond.

Other award winners on the evening included Royal Dornoch, Gleneagles and Durness among others.

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Wycombe Heights GC and BGL drive sustainability

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Wycombe Heights GC and BGL drive sustainability: Wycombe Heights Golf Centre, owned and operated by BGL (Burhill Group Limited), has unveiled a series of sustainability commitments as part of a continued journey towards achieving a net zero status.

The club has committed to seven fundamental aspects that will be implemented throughout and around the facility. These are: planning, policies and procurement, staff and golfer engagement, taking climate action, conserving resources, fostering nature, strengthening communities, and tracking and reporting.

Wycombe Heights GC and BGL drive sustainability

Wycombe Heights GC and BGL drive sustainability

Some of the key initiatives that are underway have already begun to have a positive impact. A switch to an electric greens mower has allowed the club to substitute diesel for zero carbon electricity as the energy source, irradicate the use of hydraulic fluid which is harmful to local habitats, and reduce noise which is positive for both neighbours and operations. Eventually, the club plans to run an entirely electric fleet.

Furthermore, the transition to an off-site renewable energy supply has helped reduce club emissions by over 51 tCO2e per year, a reduction equivalent to flying 15 times from London to Hong Kong, and 150,000 kms by car.

The most recent initiative has been the construction of a 12,000-metre cubed reservoir to enable the club to irrigate the course using a sustainable water source. Thanks to the investment, 100% of the water used on-site is derived from sustainable sources. This has also allowed the club to avoid supply and demand issues in drier periods.

Commenting on the club’s sustainability journey, Operations Director for BGL Golf, Guy Riggott, said: “Our success with sustainability initiatives so far is something we are very proud of, and we are excited to continue to follow our seven step commitment as we take that to the next level. Through these efforts, our goal is to benefit the environment as well as our employees, members, and visitors.”

Riggott, added: “The work and commitment from Wycombe Heights towards improving sustainable practices is incredible. Across the group, we’re passionate about finding new ways to reduce energy, water consumption, and overall carbon footprint. We are excited to see the continuation of this programme with new initiatives that align with our seven step commitment to sustainability.”

Wycombe Heights Golf Centre is located in High Wycombe, in the heart of Buckinghamshire. The property boasts two 18-hole courses, including a main and short course. In addition, Wycombe Heights has an impressive driving range, fitted with state-of-the-art TrackMan technology.

BGL’s seven step commitment to sustainability is group-wide, across the portfolio of 10 BGL Golf venues around the UK. BGL is a pioneer in the UK golf industry, currently operating 22 golf courses at 10 venues around the country. The company has been a flag-bearer for sustainability, becoming the first and only major multi course operator to have all its venues GEO certified, in 2016.

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