About
Following its sustainable approach, in 2023 the Omega European Masters was awarded GEO certification, an international distinction in the field of sustainability, underlining its commitment to increasingly respectful practices. The GEO certification report is available here. The same year, the tournament has been recognized Swisstainable, a distinction awarded by Switzerland Tourism. These achievements are enhanced by the GEO 2022 certification of the host site, Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.
“The Omega European Masters is leading the way across a range of sustainability indicators and demonstrating best practice in promoting nature, the circular economy and efficient use of resources, community impact and taking climate action (...).” (2023, Jonathan Smith Founder and Executive Director GEO Foundation)
Since 2019, the GEO Foundation and The SHIFT have been working with the Organisation, analyzing each area of the tournament and implementing strong actions for continuous improvement. The last sustainability report is available here. The tournament's commitment is in line with Swiss Golf's vision as well as the Agenda 2030 of the Canton of Valais. The six key areas defined in the previous editions are reintegrated in 2023.
Key areas, targets and initiatives for 2023
Objectives in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
1. CLIMATE AND BIODIVERSITY [SDG 13, CLIMATE ACTION/SDG 14, LIFE BELOW WATER/SDG 15, LIFE ON LAND]
This axis reflects our commitment to fighting climate change while safeguarding aquatic and terrestrial life, through the revitalization and sustainable management of the areas we operate.
Actions implemented in previous years and ongoing
- Reduction of carbon emissions and contribution to climate action.
- Calculation of the event's carbon footprint.
- Establishment of a biodiversity protection plan to preserve the site.
Targets 2023
- Carbon emissions scopes 1, 2, 3 of the tournament under 1'000 tCO2.
- Conservation and revegetation projects at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club:6 birdhouses,
2 bug hotels,
2 wood piles and 1 stone pile,
Revitalization of the functioning wetland ecosystem in and around a pond,
100% removal of invasive species from a pond,
1 additional hectar of flower meadow instead of grass.
New for 2023
- Definition of measurable targets.
- 100% carbon offset, scope 1.
- Maximisation of the "insetting" approach in the tournament's activities.
Improvements under consideration for 2024-2025
- Strengthen conservation and revegetation projects at the Golf Club.
2. CIRCULAR ECONOMY & WASTE MANAGEMENT [SDG 12, RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION]
We are committed to the circular economy and thoughtful waste management, promoting the optimal use of resources on site.
Actions implemented in previous years and ongoing
- Implementation of waste management according to the 3Rs [reduction - reuse - recycling].
- Reuse of existing furniture and infrastructure year after year.
- Reduction of partners’ packaging and single-use plastic.
- Reusable and recyclable aluminum composite signage.
- Cotton collected for reuse in 2024.
Targets 2023
- 25% reduction of waste (2022, 42t / 2023: 32t).
- 65% recycling or reuse of generated waste (2022: 57%).
- 100% of suppliers are encouraged to reduce waste (e.g. flyers, packaging, etc.).
New for 2023
- Waste registry for each zone (VIP, village, etc).
- Sustainable napkin supply.
- No printed start lists (equivalent to 30’000 printed lists saved).
- Elimination of physical menu cards in the Mont Blanc Village; instead, QR codes displayed on tables to access the menu.
3. RESPONSIBLE CATERING [SDG 3, GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING/SDG 12, RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION]
Responsible catering is at the heart of our commitments, with priority given to the supply chain as well as combating food waste.
Actions implemented in previous years and ongoing
- Elimination of PET bottles, single-use cutlery and plastic whenever possible (e.g. sauces via pumps).
- Deployment of reusable cutlery and deposits for PET bottles.
- Promotion of the five fundamentals : origin (localism), production method (labels), type of product, season, degree of transformation.
- Signature of a sustainable catering charter by the caterers.
- Vegetarian or vegan options offered by each caterer.
Targets 2023
- 100% reusable cutlery and zero single-use plastics.
- 75% sustainable food, including 75% local, 25% organic, 50% certified, 33% vegetarian/vegan.
- 25% reduction in food waste (2022: 1.2t / 2023: 0.9t).
New for 2023
- Highlight of "low carbon impact" and "local" options on menus.
- Food redistribution via local organizations.
Improvements under consideration for 2024-2025
- Continuation of supplier engagement and post-tournament surveys to identify and reinforce areas for improvement.
4. ENERGY TRANSITION & WATER CONSERVATION [SDG 6, CLEAN WATER/SDG 7, CLEAN ENERGY]
Moving towards sustainable energy and optimal water management is one of society's major challenges. We are strongly committed to doing our part to actively participate in this transition.
Actions implemented in previous years and ongoing
- Installation of a renewable electricity network.
- Implementation and monitoring of a water management plan.
- Deployment of water fountains for athletes, staff and the public.
Targets 2023
- 100 % energy and water consumption controlled and optimized.
- Reduction in fuel oil consumption.
- 20% reduction in water consumption (2022: 1144m3 / 2023: 915m3).
- 100% renewable energy.
New for 2023
- Map of the site showing water points.
Improvements under consideration for 2024-2025
- Transition to 100% LED lighting systems.
- Documentation of energy-consuming equipment.
5. SMART AND SOFT MOBILITY [SDG 9, INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE/SDG 11, SUSTAINABLE CITIES]
The transport of spectators and teams represents a major environmental challenge for sporting events. With this in mind, and despite the logistical challenges of accessing the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, the Omega European Masters is committed to promoting more sustainable mobility.
Actions implemented in previous years and ongoing :
- Optimisation of logistics.
- Free shuttles for spectators.
- Transport of players from the airport to Sierre by train, then by electric car to Crans-Montana.
- Charging points available for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Targets 2023
- 25% of the public using public, multimodal and active transport.
- 100% of players travelling in Switzerland by public, multimodal and active transport, or electric car.
New for 2023
- Web page dedicated on "how to get to the tournament", highlighting the carbon footprint of different transport options.
Improvements under consideration for 2024-2025
- Increase in the number of electric vehicles on site.
- Increase in the proportion of public transport.
- Carbon footprint calculator and voluntary offsetting option available on the site for tournament visitors.
6. ENGAGEMENT [SDG 10, REDUCED INEQUALITY/SDG 17, PARTNERSHIPS FOR GOALS]
We are committed to promoting inclusion and reducing inequalities, while reinforcing sustainable partnerships. This collaborative and inclusive approach is at the heart of our commitment to a more sustainable future.
Actions implemented in previous years and ongoing
- Accessible pricing policy and free admission for under-18s, ensuring inclusion.
- Implementation of welcoming measures and improved signage for people with reduced mobility (PRM). Dedicated number: +41 27 565 78 60.
- Partnerships with schools and the local community on various projects.
- Exhaustive communication of sustainable practices via the website, social networks, broadcasters and on site to raise public awareness (conferences, information stands, interactive activities).
Targets 2023
- 2 areas dedicated to PRMs.
- 5% participation by young people under 18.
- 100% stakeholder awareness.
New for 2023:
- Signature of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.
- Strengthened communication on best practices.
- Promotion of Swiss Golf's biodiversity conservation initiative at the heart of the tournament.
Improvements under consideration for 2024-2025
- Add the legacy dimension as a seventh axis.
- Explore partnerships such as to analyse the economic impact.
This list is not exhaustive and is intended to evolve over time.
The Omega European Masters not only wants to progress but also serves as an example for golf and other events in becoming a catalyst for sustainability.
Contact for the Omega European Masters
Neil Beecroft / Clémence Gillier, +41 76 456 28 24, [email protected]
About The SHIFT
Founded by four award-winning experts and disruptors in sustainability, innovation and sport, The SHIFT is a Swiss agency committed to a sustainable, healthy, prosperous and just society. With confirmed expertise in strategy, implementation, engagement, operations and reporting, the agency has been working with the Omega European Masters since 2019, contributing to initiatives for biodiversity, climate and water, promoting circular economy and inspiring other events. Having worked with other golf events, including the US Kids Golf Venice Open, The SHIFT has also been collaborating with the Golf-Club de Crans-sur-Sierre since 2022.
About GEO Foundation
The GEO Foundation is the only non-profit organization in the world dedicated to the mission of advancing sustainability in golf. Working collaboratively with various stakeholders, it has created custom-built sustainability programs for golf, covering social and environmental aspects in the areas of nature, resources and community. Its GEO Certified® label, accredited by the ISEAL Alliance, is internationally recognized as the standard for sustainable golf. To find out more, visit sustainable.golf.
Contact
Roddy Williams, communications director, [email protected] ; (UK) +44 7899 940029