The Lancashire Golf Union has given its full backing to GreenClub’s drive to make the golf industry more sustainable.

They're offering a £500 grant to any member golf clubs who partner with sustainability specialists GreenClub this month before 1 May.

Mark Bardsley, county secretary of the Lancashire Golf Union, moved swiftly to act after hearing a presentation from Mike Gray, GreenClub’s business manager. In the wake of the energy crisis, he outlined the importance of adopting an improved long-term approach to sustainability and carbon neutrality.

And golf clubs in north-west England have been quick to take advantage of the county’s incentive. Formby Golf Club, host of national and international events, is among the first venues to sign up for GreenClub Lite.

Bardsley said: “The ever-increasing cost of energy is at the top of the agenda of many of our clubs. It’s important that we do whatever we can to support them in the present climate. 

“After listening to Mike and reviewing what GreenClub has to offer, we were impressed with their expertise. It made perfect sense for us to partner with them. We would encourage as many of our members as possible to take us up on our grant proposal.” 

Stuart Leech, General Manager/Secretary at Formby Golf Club, said: “Formby is delighted to be working with GreenClub. We are passionate about doing all we can to be as sustainable as possible. They can provide a clear roadmap, with good, impartial advice, on best ways to do this. 

“To have access to solutions for everything from recycling to sustainable energy provision and capacity, in one place, is ideal. We are grateful for them helping us create a roadmap leading to our 2030 objectives.”

GreenClub Lite

Complementing GreenClub’s premium service is GreenClub Lite. It was designed to offer a summary of the improvements that are possible and was launched earlier this year. It delivers a cost-effective solution for clubs to ultimately become a ‘Net Zero’, carbon-neutral venue.

GreenClub provide an environmental policy statement and a comprehensive online business overview of a club’s operations. They also carry out an entire estate review to identify opportunities to generate their own renewable energy sources. Each venue will receive official GreenClub Lite accreditation and a report outlining key findings and recommendations.

Gray said: “We’re thrilled to have joined forces with the Lancashire Golf Union with the initiative, and the partnership is a big step in the right direction of raising awareness for how golf clubs can meet the many environmental challenges that the industry is facing.

“All golf clubs and venues are different, and the beauty of GreenClub Lite is that it is a simple and easy way to providing a summary of what improvements could be possible so that clubs can make informed and considered decisions about the best next steps to take.”

How does GreenClub help clubs achieve their sustainability goals?

A partner of the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, GreenClub works with the non-profit international organisation to promote sustainability across a range of different platforms and markets in the UK and Europe. Portmarnock Golf Club, London Golf Club and Frilford Heath Golf Club are among the high-profile venues to have engaged its services to help achieve their long-term goals of becoming carbon neutral.

They provide consultation services to assess current and future needs of any business to reduce their carbon emissions. Venues can also become generators of their own green renewable energy by using renewable energy options. That ensures venues have greater independence from traditional and ever-more expensive energy supplies.

For more information, please visit greenclub.energy, email [email protected] or follow on social media @Greenclubenergy.