Royal Dornoch earns environmental award

By Alistair March 19, 2018 10:43

An internationally-renowned golf course’s commitment to its community and natural environment has earned it a coveted global sustainability accolade.

Royal Dornoch Golf Club has been awarded the GEO Certified® ecolabel, an international symbol of ‘great golf environments’. This recognises clubs that have met high standards for performance in nature conservation, water and energy efficiency, ethical and environmental supply chain, pollution control and community engagement.

An independent assessment of the famous club concludes: “Royal Dornoch is not only set within a stunning coastal landscape, but its course ranking demonstrates the commitment and expertise given to management, which together place significant responsibility on the club to manage efficiently and sustainably in all areas of working.”

The award not only further elevates the standing of the historic club, but also enhances its ability to host major events. The R&A, the game’s governing body, is a supporter of GEO (Golf Environment Organisation) and the certified ecolabel is now a prerequisite for clubs staging large competitions. All ten host venues for the Open are now GEO Certified®.

Left to right – Scott Aitchison (deputy course manager), Alan Ramsey (club captain) and Eoin Riddell (course manager) with the GEO certificate

Richard Allison, project manager, GEO Certified – Facilities, said: “Royal Dornoch is an outstanding example of a golf club with sustainability as a natural extension of its operation.

“From habitat creation and steps to future energy independence among its range of sustainability work, our congratulations go to everyone at the club and we look forward to seeing what the next few years brings.”

The club regularly monitors wildlife on the course, with species including otter, snipe, woodcock and pine marten all resident.

Electric vehicles are being introduced to the club’s maintenance fleet and a new maintenance facility runs on renewable electricity with solar-PV cells providing 12 kilowatts of energy for daily use with surplus returned to the National Grid.

An air-source heat pump provides hot water and underfloor heating for the offices and communal areas, while in the clubhouse major energy initiatives include a phased changeover to LED lighting, installation of smart meters to track consumption accurately, and motion sensors and push-button timers throughout appropriate areas.

Royal Dornoch’s general manager Neil Hampton said: “This is a very important award for us. We take enormous pride in our environment and are committed to doing everything we can to act responsibly and sustainably. The club also takes seriously its role in the community and be as good a neighbour as we can be.

“The award is a prestigious honour and we are delighted to receive this recognition.”