Make hay while the sun shines

By Alistair October 1, 2024 08:18

This year the Hero Dubai Desert Classic (HDDC) became GEO Certified® for the second time, highlighting the European Tour tournament’s dedication to environmental responsibility and position as a leader in sustainable golf events.

GEO Certified®, the widely regarded, credible distinction for responsible golf events is overseen by the international non-profit organisation GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, dedicated to support and recognition for sustainability and climate action in golf. Criteria cover aspects of event staging as well as awareness-raising efforts and lasting legacies, with continual improvement points for future events an integral part of the process.

The accreditation was awarded to HDDC due to key initiatives, such as

• 80 percent of the area between the 11th and 15th holes is powered by solar panels.

• ‘Park and Plant’ – a charge for parking on site funded the planting of three trees per car.

• 100 percent B20 biodiesel was used throughout the event.

• The event diverted 100 percent of waste from landfills and 25 percent of materials were recycled or composted.

• Five tonnes of glass were recycled – enough energy to power a laptop for 312 days.

• Emirates Flights Catering sourced salad greens from Dubai’s largest vertical farm, promoting sustainable food choices.

• Free water refill points and high-quality filtered water dispensers minimised single-use plastic.

• Golfers were transported by an expanded fleet of electric vehicles.

• Unavoidable emissions were offset, supporting the Central Mozambique safe water programme, alongside a local mangrove ecosystem restoration project.

• Digital ticketing reduced paper waste.

Jonathan Smith, founder and executive director of GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, stated: “The team at Hero Dubai Desert Classic continue to press ahead, blending commitment and innovation to integrate sustainable practices across the event — from staging to lasting legacies. Their efforts are supported by partners and suppliers as well as the host venue, Emirates Golf Club. Our congratulations to the Falcon Golf team for the 2024 event and we look forward to supporting and recognising more groundbreaking strides in the years ahead.”

Simon Corkill, executive tournament director of HDDC said, “This second GEO certification is a milestone moment for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Having become the first event in the Middle East and in the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series to have earned this prestigious status, this latest certification emphasises our long-term commitment to create a sustainable golf event. We are delighted that the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is playing a part in Dubai’s wider ambitions of building a greener city for generations to come.”

Earlier this year the HDDC completed planting 1,750 mangrove trees at Dubai’s Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, as part of sustainable initiatives for next January’s tournament. The ‘Park and Plant’ scheme was funded by visitor parking fees to help offset the tournament’s carbon emissions.