About
In its sustainable approach, the Omega European Masters obtained GEO Certification in 2022, an international reference in golf sustainability, thus highlighting its commitment to increasingly respectful practices. The GEO certification report is available here. In the same year, the tournament was recognized as Swisstainable, a distinction awarded by Switzerland Tourism. These achievements are complemented by the 2022 GEO certification of the host site, the Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre. Both are committed to renewing their certification in 2025 in a spirit of coherence and continuous improvement.
"The tournament leads on a set of sustainability indicators and demonstrates best practices in nature promotion, circular economy, efficient resource use, community impact, and climate action (...)." (2022, Jonathan Smith, Founder and Executive Director of the GEO Foundation)
Collaborating with the GEO Foundation and the bloomUp agency since 2019, every aspect of the tournament aims for constant progression. The sustainability report (2023) is available here. The tournament's commitment aligns with the vision of Swiss Golf and the 2030 Agenda of the canton of Valais. The six axes defined in previous editions are reviewed each year.
Major axes, targets, and initiatives for the 2024 edition
Objectives related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and specific to the 2030 Agenda of the Canton of Valais
1. CLIMATE & BIODIVERSITY [SDG 13, CLIMATE ACTION/SDG 14, LIFE BELOW WATER/SDG 15, LIFE ON LAND]
This axis reflects the commitment of the OEM (Organizing Event Management) to combat climate change and protect the biodiversity of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems by revitalizing and sustainably managing the land and surrounding spaces utilized by the tournament.
Actions implemented in previous years and ongoing:
Climate
- Reduce carbon emissions and contribute to climate action.
- Calculate the carbon footprint of the event and implement a reduction plan.
- Finance 100% of the carbon footprint Scope 1, 2, and part of Scope 3 through the Swiss Olympic Climate Fund, supporting climate protection projects carried out by and for Swiss sports.
Biodiversity
- Develop a 3-year biodiversity protection plan to preserve the site.
Targets for 2024:
Climate
- Reduce carbon emissions by 10% based on 2023 figures (948.79 tCO2e).
Biodiversité
- Maintain and continue conservation and revegetation projects at the Golf Club, including:
- Increasing from 6 to 25 bird nesting boxes.
- Adding 6 more insect hotels to the existing 2.
- Setting up 2 additional woodpiles and 1 stone pile.
- Continuing the revitalization of wetlands around a pond.
- Removing 99% of invasive species from the pond and thinning the underbrush to enrich the flora.
New for 2024:
Climate
- Allow the public to contribute to carbon offsetting when purchasing tickets.
- Maximize the "insetting" approach and carbon financing within tournament activities (e.g., a 2.- CHF deposit on reusable cups could contribute to carbon funding).
Biodiversity
- Install additional barriers to protect more sensitive areas (e.g., reeds).
- Provide more information about biodiversity: indigenous species, bees, birds, butterflies, etc., through informational panels.
Planned Improvements for 2025:
- Continue and strengthen conservation and revegetation projects at the Golf Club.
2. CIRCULAR ECONOMY & WASTE MANAGEMENT [SDG 12, RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION]
The OEM's commitment to the circular economy and thoughtful waste management aims to promote the improved use of resources at the tournament.
Actions implemented in previous years and ongoing:
Circular Economy
- Reuse existing/temporary furniture and infrastructure year after year.
- Partially collect cotton used at the event for repurposing (e.g., second life as cleaning rags for mechanics, etc.).
- Strengthen the project for reusing/recycling textiles and materials after the tournament.
Waste Management
- Implement waste management according to the 3Rs [reduce-reuse-recycle].
- Reduce packaging from partners and single-use plastics.
- Promote reusable items among staff/suppliers and minimize the use of single-use cups.
- Install reusable and recyclable composite aluminum signage.
- Eliminate physical menu cards at the Village Mont Blanc; use QR codes on tables to access the menu.
- Maintain a waste register by zone (VIP, village, etc.).
- Source recycled napkins.
- Avoid printing start lists (equivalent to saving 30,000 list prints).
Targets for 2024:
Circular Economy
- Repurpose 75% of the cotton used during the event.
Waste Management
- Reduce waste production by 10% compared to 2023 (44t).
2019: 60t ; 2021:44t ; 2022: 40t ; 2023: 44t ; 2024: 40t
- Increase the waste recycling rate to 60%.
2019: 42% ; 2021: 43% ; 2022: 56% ; 2023: 43% ; 2024: 60%
- Encourage 100% of suppliers to reduce their waste (e.g. flyers, packaging, etc.).
New for 2024:
Waste Management
- Reduce the footprint of glass bottles on all drinks stands (e.g. draught beer or glasses with a deposit).
- Draw up a resource management plan and identify a second life for each item of equipment.
Planned Improvements for 2025:
- Reinforce and automate the recovery and reuse of decoration materials used during the event (through second life projects).
3. RESPONSIBLE CATERING [SDG 3, GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING/SDG 12, RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION]
The commitment to more sustainable catering is central to the OEM, favouring shorter supply chains while combating food waste.
Actions implemented in previous years and ongoing:
Waste
- Eliminate PET bottles as much as possible, single-use cutlery, and plastic where feasible (e.g., replace plastic sauce packets with bulk options).
- Deploy reusable dishware and implement a deposit system for PET bottles along the course (sold in minimal quantities).
Responsible and Local Sourcing
- Emphasise five fundamentals: origin (local sourcing), production methods (labels), product types, seasonality, and degree of processing.
- Offer vegetarian or vegan options from each caterer.
- Highlight sustainable dishes on the menus (beyond vegetarian/vegan dishes).
- Implement a system for redistributing surplus food via local organisations.
- Have all caterers sign a sustainable catering charter.
Targets for 2024:
- Aim for 100% reusable dishware and zero single-use plastic in catering.
- Serve 75% sustainable foods (including 75% local, 25% organic, 50% certified, 33% vegetarian/vegan).
- Reduce food waste by 10%.
2022: 1,2t ; 2023: 0,9t ; 2024: 0.81t
New for 2024:
- Replace individual portions of cream, butter, and sugar with bulk solutions in the Village.
- Encourage caterers to sell only draft beer to eliminate glass bottles.
Planned improvements for 2025:
- Continue supplier engagement and post-tournament surveys to identify and strengthen areas for improvement.
4. ENERGY TRANSITION & WATER CONSERVATION [SDG 6, CLEAN WATER/SDG 7, CLEAN ENERGY]
The energy transition and efficient water management are major challenges. At the OEM, we are committed to making an active contribution to these efforts.
Actions implemented in previous years and ongoing:
Energy
- Install a renewable energy network across the entire course.
- Reduce fuel oil consumption for heating.
Water
- Implement a water monitoring and management plan.
- Deploy water fountains for athletes, staff, and the general public.
- Map potable water points on site.
Targets for 2024:
Energy
- Control and optimise 100% of energy consumption.
- Replace 100% of faulty lighting with LED lighting.
- Source 100% renewable and local electricity.
Water
- Reduce water consumption by 20%.
New for 2024:
- Install a water metering system to improve resource management.
- Enhance water data management for temporary infrastructure in sports areas and spectator zones.
Planned improvements for 2025:
- Transition to 100% LED lighting installations.
- Document high energy-consuming devices and monitor them.
5. SMART AND SOFT MOBILITY [SDG 9, INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE/SDG 11, SUSTAINABLE CITIES]
The transport of spectators, staff and teams represents a major environmental challenge for sporting events such as the Omega European Masters. With this in mind, and despite the logistical challenges of accessing the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club by public transport, the Omega European Masters is committed to promoting more sustainable mobility.
Actions implemented in previous years and ongoing:
Public Transport
- Optimise logistics and transportation.
- Provide free shuttles within the station for spectators.
- Indicate available charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Internal Transport
- Transport players from the airport to Sierre by train, then by electric cars to Crans-Montana.
Targets for 2024:
Public Transport
- More than 30% of the public using public, multimodal, or active transport in 2024.
2022: 14% ; 2023: 24% ; 2024: 30%
Internal Transport
- Transport 100% of players from their arrival in Switzerland to Sierre by train, then by electric cars to Crans-Montana.
New for 2024:
Public Transport
- Improve public information on access to public and shared transport for getting to the event.
- Install bike parking for the public.
Internal Transport
- Set up precise monitoring of how players and caddies are transported, while encouraging sustainable mobility alternatives.
Planned improvements for 2025:
- Increase the number of electric vehicles on site.
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 activities.
Actions implemented in previous years and ongoing:
Equality
- Implement an accessible pricing policy and offer free entry for those under 18.
- Provide accommodations for people with reduced mobility (PRM) and improve specific signage. Special contact number: +41 27 565 78 60.
- Communicate the local economic impact of the event.
Partnership
- Create partnerships with schools and the local community for various projects.
- Strengthen communication on best practices related to tournament sustainability.
- Highlight Swiss Golf’s biodiversity initiative at the heart of the tournament.
Targets for 2024:
- Establish 2 dedicated spaces for PRMs along the course (holes 13/18).
- Achieve 5% participation of young people under 18.
- Raise awareness of sustainability issues among 100% of stakeholders.
New for 2024:
- Improve access for people with reduced mobility by providing a movable ramp and highlighting access to different tournament areas.
Planned improvements for 2025:
- Continuously communicate the tournament’s sustainable practices via the website, social media, broadcasters, and on-site to raise awareness among different audiences (conferences, information booths, interactive activities).
- Sign the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework and the IUCN Sports for Nature Framework.
- Seek partnerships, for example, for economic impact analysis (e.g., HES-SO Valais/Wallis).
- Recertify with GEO for 2025.
This list is not exhaustive and is meant to be evolving.
The Omega European Masters aims not only to progress but also to serve as an example for golf and other events, thus becoming a catalyst for greater commitment to sustainability.
Contact for the Omega European Masters
Sustainability Managers:
Neil Beecroft / Mahaut Recht ; +41 76 456 28 24 ; [email protected]
About bloomUp
Founded by four recognized and disruptive experts in the fields of sustainability, innovation, and impact, bloomUp is a Swiss agency committed to a sustainable and just society. With proven expertise in strategy, engagement, operations, and reporting, bloomUp has been collaborating with the Omega European Masters since 2019, contributing to initiatives for biodiversity, climate, and water, and inspiring other events to follow suit. Having worked with other golf tournaments, including the US Kids Golf Venice Open, bloomUp has also been assisting the Golf-Club de Crans-sur-Sierre since 2022.
About GEO Foundation
The GEO Foundation is the leading global non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability in golf. Collaborating with various stakeholders, it has created tailored sustainability programs for golf, covering social and environmental aspects in nature, resources, and community. Its GEO Certified® label, accredited by the ISEAL Alliance, is internationally recognized as the standard for sustainable golf. For more information, visit sustainable.golf.
Contact
Roddy Williams, communications director, [email protected] ; (UK) +44 7899 940029
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