RJ National GEO certified for record third time

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Ransomes Jacobsen’s three-hole golf course, The RJ National, located at its European headquarters on the outskirts of Ipswich, has been re-certified by the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO). With this latest accolade, the RJ National becomes the first golf course in the UK to be awarded GEO Certified® status for commitment to sustainable development for a third time.

In his report, the member of Greenkeeping magazine’s distinguished editorial advisory panel, Keith Duff, the independent verifier who carried out the course’s re-certification audit said: “This three-hole golf course and adjoining noise testing area was built in 2008 on industrial wasteland. It was designed for multiple uses – as a golf course, as a demonstration area for golf course maintenance machinery, and as a noise testing facility for machinery. The aim was to produce a sustainably managed golf course, using turf grasses (mainly bents and fescues) managed appropriately with low inputs of water, fertiliser and pesticide. This has been achieved.

“There is a strong link with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, who provide ecological advice. All water abstraction and discharge, and energy use and waste management, is undertaken as part of the whole site environmental management plan operated by Ransomes under ISO 14001. There is a strong link with the nearby Waldringfield Golf Club, whose course manager provides consultative support through a weekly visit in the summer. During the winter months, the retired course manager from Woodbridge Golf Club provides monthly advice. Support is also provided, on an as needed basis, from Ipswich Golf Club’s greens’ staff.

“There is clear evidence of steady continual improvement of all aspects of the facility’s environmental performance over the nine years since initial certification of the site, and especially with regard to eco-systems, energy and resources, environmental quality, and people and communities. The level of commitment shown by the company, and their staff, is exemplary.”

GEO’s chief executive Jonathan Smith, who also is a member of Greenkeeping’s editorial advisory panel, said: “The RJ National represents sustainability through a commitment to protect and enhance nature, while using resources efficiently and carefully and working together with their community.”