Environmental Case Study

Transcription

1 Environmental Case Study THE CHALLENGE Management Planning Greening of Golf Events The organising and running of any sporting event is going to have impacts on the surrounding environment. As golf events are held in outdoor venues, with many located on sites of high conservation importance, there is a potential impact by the temporary arrival of spectators and the necessary support infrastructure seating, media, catering, merchandise, transportation etc. Events are also significant consumers of energy and water resources and generators of waste. The host venues and organisers are under pressure to meet legal environmental obligations and address public concerns while at the same time reducing costs, conserving resources, minimising risk, improving health and safety standards, maintaining good community relations and creating a positive corporate image. The SGU stages amateur golf events across Scotland and faces all these challenges. In 2008 in conjunction with the Home Internationals tournament at Muirfield it was decided to implement procedures to address these challenges and to become greener. The aims of going greener were to: Demonstrate responsible resource management Demonstrate conservation awareness and habitat protection Run more efficiently and cost-effectively Improve morale and employee satisfaction Enjoy a constructive relationship with regulatory bodies and the general public. Have a more positive impact on the environment Increase PR benefits to the host venue and organisers.

2 THE SOLUTION We were aware that there were existing guidelines in existence regarding Sustainable Event Management. These were often based on large scale sporting events and outdoor festivals, so it was decided in conjunction with EventScotland to use the existing principles and adapt them produce procedures and guidelines specifically tailored to the smaller scale golfing events that the SGU would be hosting. Environment Policy The first step was to gain the commitment of the venue club and course managers. Key stakeholders were in engaged at an early stage and an Environmental Policy document produced. Environment Team An Environment Team was set up consisting of the Events Team, Environmental Advisor, PR team and they consulted with key Club Committee members, Head Greenkeeper / Course Manager to scope the key opportunities and challenges that would be addressed in the greening of the event. Action Plan An Action Plan was produced for all the key elements: a. Nature Conservation and Site protection i. Appraised site s ecology, wildlife and habitats, landscape history and cultural heritage, any designations (nature reserves, SSSI s, SAC s, SPA s, etc.). ii. Identified and roped off any particularly sensitive areas within and adjacent to site at risk from spectator trampling or contractor s vehicles and equipment. iii. Planed haulage routes, spectator access and siting of facilities to avoid site damage. Used protection tracks around catering facilities and high traffic areas in case of bad weather. iv. Planed site reinstatement to check and repair any damage to wildlife habitats (e.g. re-seeding or replacement planting) after the event. b. Risk Assessment and Pollution Prevention i. All chemicals and fuels were stored according to legal obligations. ii. Buffer zones and other water quality control measures to intercept runoff from car parks and compound areas to ensure surface and groundwater are not affected were not necessary at Muirfield but were considered at the scoping stage. iii. Areas of safety risk to staff and spectators must be identified and added to an H&S Incident Plan. iv. Procedures and contact numbers for injury to persons, wildlife and pollution incidents were included in the plan and issued to all staff and were visible in all offices. v. Spill kits and extinguisher locations were be marked on the plan and staff trained in their use. c. Waste Management i. An internal waste audit was carried out to identify expected waste streams and current management practices that would need to be adapted to cope with increased amounts. ii. A green purchasing policy was developed. The Club and caterers were encouraged to use

3 local suppliers and reusable, recycled and recyclable products where possible. For example recycled and recyclable plastic glasses food trays, napkins etc. at all catering outlets. iii. Waste management practices of Reduce, reuse, recycle were implemented where possible and spectators were encouraged to separate waste in the catering area. Catering and event management area Catering area Recycling bins

4 d. Energy Efficiency i. An internal Energy Audit identified all current areas of energy use and management practices in place at the venue and predicted increased energy requirements during the event. ii. Generators were required to power the catering outlets and other temporary facilities they were specified to be as efficient as possible. iii. All air-conditioning and refrigeration units for hospitality and catering facilities were requested to be HFCs and HCFCs free but as caterers had their own refrigeration this was outwith control of the events team. iv. Some electric buggies were used however many of the site vehicles were diesel powered. v. Energy efficient lighting was used in event facilities however the clubhouse was outwith the control of the team. Recommendations were made to the clubhouse to investigate energy efficiency best practice. vi. Marquees were well ventilated to avoid need for any cooling. vii. On this occasion carbon offsetting the event (i.e. planting equivalent trees /grasslands to counter balance the amount of carbon generated by the event organisation, running and spectators.) was not implemented but will be investigated at future events. e. Sustainable Transport i. To maximise the use of public transport, spectators should be made aware of the options available on all marketing materials. Good signage was in place for appropriate parking facilities. ii. Park and Ride Schemes were not deemed appropriate for the number of spectators. iii. Players and officials were accommodated at a hotel within 5 miles and were expected and encouraged to use shuttle buses. Shuttle bus fleet unfortunately didn t use green fuels as was not possible but journeys were minimised by having a regular schedule. iv. Some electric buggies were used. v. There was a desire to switch to cleaner fuels and greener energy sources but this was not possible in this event. Public Transport info for spectators

5 f. Local group / community concerns Initial consultation and discussions with all key local groups didn t flag up any concerns as events are regularly held at this venue, but actively involving these groups improved the positive image of the event, hosts and organisers. PR and Communications The message that we were going greener was communicated in a variety of ways; externally on the programme, in web / flyer advertising of the event and on posters and materials sent to competitors and spectators. Internally, staff, caterers and club members were made aware of the initiatives in place. Monitoring Quantities of waste produced and carbon reduced through shuttle buses was estimated and will be used to set key performance indicators and targets for future events. THE OUTCOMES The initial efforts made to make the Home International tournament greener were well received by all stakeholders. As this was the first event where an Environmental Action plan was in place, it was a learning experience for all involved. The guidelines have been implemented at other events since and the 2012 Home Internationals will be another opportunity to focus efforts to make the event greener. References 1. BS8901:Sustainable Event Management Systems 2. EventScotland Sustainable Sport and Event Toolkit (SSET) 3. GEO Green Event Guidelines 4. Ryder Cup Celtic Manor Green Drive 5. London 2012 Sustainability Plan