Sustainability | Omega European Masters

About

The Omega European Masters are committed to delivering a world-class tournament with strong sustainability foundations. Since 2019, the OEM has worked closely with bloomUp agency and the GEO Foundation to advance its environmental, social and local economic goals. Certified by the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf in 2022 and part of Switzerland Tourism's Swisstainable program, the OEM aligns its efforts on Swiss Golf and the 2030 Agenda of the Canton of Valais.

Each year, the OEM actions are guided by six focus areas, updated and refined to reflect progress, innovation, and community engagement .

1. CLIMATE & BIODIVERSITY

[SDG 13, CLIMATE ACTION/SDG 14, LIFE BELOW WATER/SDG 15, LIFE ON LAND]

This focus area underscores the Omega European Masters’ commitment to addressing climate change and protecting biodiversity. It focuses on revitalising and sustainably managing the natural landscapes and ecosystems in and around the tournament venue, through ongoing collaboration with the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club. As a key partner in these efforts, the Club achieved GEO Certification in 2022, recognising its exemplary commitment to environmental stewardship.

Ongoing initiatives

Measurement of the carbon footprint on an annual basis and implementation of a reduction plan
Integration of public carbon financing options through ticketing and deposit system
Financing of 100% of Scope 1 & 2 emissions, and part of Scope 3, via the Swiss Olympic Climate Fund
Installation of 31 bird boxes, 2 insect hotels, and revitalised wetland areas to support local biodiversity
Installation of protective barriers to safeguard sensitive areas
Creation of a three-year biodiversity protection plan in collaboration with the Golf Club of Crans-sur-Sierre

Goals for 2025

Reduce total carbon emissions by an additional 10%
Achieve 30% spectator participation in optional carbon contributions to finance at least 10% of Scope 3 emissions (up from 3% in 2024)

New in 2025

Offering on-site carbon financing options at ticket offices
Highlighting biodiversity zones on official maps for public awareness

Improvements for 2026

Look into additional means to finance carbon for spectators
Install 5 additional bird boxes at the western end of the Ballesteros course
Double the number of leaving stone piles and logs in sunny areas. Install 3 bug hotels
Indicate the location of rare, protected or endangered species throughout the course

2. CIRCULAR ECONOMY & WASTE MANAGEMENT

[SDG 12, RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION]

This focus area reflects the Omega European Masters’ commitment to reducing waste and promoting a circular economy by managing materials responsibly and optimising the use of ressources throughout the tournament.

Ongoing initiatives

Reuse of existing and temporary furniture and infrastructure across editions
Reinforcement of the project for reusing/recycling textiles and materials after the tournament
Implementation of waste management according to the 3Rs [reduce-reuse-recycle]
Reduction of packaging from partners and single-use plastics
Installation of reusable and recyclable composite aluminum signage
Digitalisation of menus via QR codes at the Mont-Blanc Villages (no physical cards)
Elimination of printed start lists, equivalent to 30,000 paper copies saved
Establishment of a deposit system in case of glass/PET bottles sales

Goals for 2025

Reduce overall waste by 10%
Achieve 50% waste recycling (43% in 2024)
Encourage 100% of suppliers to reduce their waste
Compost 100% of back-of-house food waste

New in 2025

Repurposing more than 1000m2 of carpets
Training staff and and stands on best sorting practices and circular economy rules
Reducing glass bottle use with draught and deposit systems

Improvements for 2026

Explore modular carpet tiles that can be rented, cleaned, and reused across tournaments

3. RESPONSIBLE CATERING

[SDG 3, GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING/SDG 12, RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION]

Responsible catering is central to the Omega European Masters’ sustainability commitment, with a focus on shorter supply chains and active efforts to reduce food waste.

Ongoing initiatives

Deployment of reusable tableware and PET bottle deposit systems along the course
Application of 5 fundamentals: origin (local sourcing), production methods (labels), product types, seasonality, and degree of processing
Adoption of a Sustainable Catering Charter by all vendors
Offering of a diverse range of vegetarian and vegan options
Recycling or recovery of organic waste (peelings, oils, etc.)
Redistribution of surplus food to staff and local charities
Implementation of bulk solutions (sugar, butter, cream, sauces, etc.) in the village and in the players, caddies and media areas

Goals for 2025

Use 100% of reusable tableware and 0% of single-use plastic in catering
Serve 75% sustainable foods (including 75% local, 25% organic, 50% certified, 33% vegetarian/vegan)
Reduce food waste by 10%
Redistribute 100% of edible surplus to local charities or to the staff

New in 2025

Implementing a deposit system for glass bottles to reduce single-use packaging

Improvements for 2026

Provide on-site educational signage explaining sustainable food options

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 firmly committed to doing our bit to play an active part in this transition.

Ongoing initiatives

Installation of a renewable energy network throughout the course
Reduction in the use of heating fuel oils
Operation of a water metering system and conservation plan
Deployment of water fountains for athletes, staff, media and the public, mapped across the venue
Collaboration with DP Tour Production team to connect to the local network (100% renewable)

Goals for 2025

Sourcing 100% renewable energy for event operations

New in 2025

Monitor energy consumption in more detail
Improve water data management in sports and spectator areas by installing additional metering systems on temporary infrastructure

Improvements for 2026

Install solar panels on the driving range in collaboration with the Golf-club of Crans-sur-Sierre

5. SMART AND SOFT MOBILITY

[SDG 9, INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE/SDG 11, SUSTAINABLE CITIES]

Transporting spectators and players is a major environmental challenge for sporting events. With this in mind, and despite the logistical challenges involved in accessing the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club by public transport, the Omega European Masters are committed to promoting soft, eco-friendly mobility.

Ongoing initiatives

Optimisation of logistics and transportation systems
Transportation of players by train from airport to Sierre, then by electric vehicles to Crans-Montana
Provision of free local shuttles for fans and electric cars for on-site player mobility
Installation of electric and hybrid vehicle charging stations
Communication of transport information and eco-friendly travel tips to visitors
Installation of a bike parking area (electric & classic) for spectators and staff

Goals for 2025

Encouraging more than 25% of the public to use public, multimodal, or active transport
Transporting 100% of players from their arrival in Switzerland to Sierre by train, then by electric cars to Crans-Montana

New in 2025

Increase the number of electric vehicles on site
Enhance signage at Sierre station for public transports users

Improvements for 2026

Look again into combined ticket options for public transport

6. ENGAGEMENT

[SDG 10, REDUCED INEQUALITY/SDG 17, PARTNERSHIPS FOR GOALS]

We are committed to promoting inclusion and reducing inequality, while strengthening sustainable partnerships. This collaborative and inclusive approach is at the heart of our commitment to a more sustainable future.

Ongoing initiatives

Promotion of inclusivity with free entry for under -18s and equitable ticket pricing
Reception and dedicated facilities for people with reduced mobility, with improved signage. Specific number: +41 27 565 78 60
Designation of two accessible zones for people with reduced mobility and companions at holes 13 and 18
Promotion of sustainability with awareness campaigns on health through sport, biodiversity, gender equity etc.
Signature of the IUCN Sport For Nature Framework

Goals for 2025

Ensuring 100% of public zones are accessible for people with reduced mobility
Achieving 5% participation of young people under 18
Raising awareness of sustainability issues among 100% of stakeholders

New in 2025

Create an awareness video (actions, good tips, offsetting, etc.) during the tournament for subsequent broadcast

Improvements for 2026

Obtain the GEO Re-certification in 2026 for the tournament
Engage a DP Tour player to participate in a video about sustainability
Host a S4N (Sport for Nature) tent in the Mont Blanc village

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 Directors
Neil Beecroft / Mahaut Recht
+41 76 456 28 24
[email protected]

About bloomUp

Founded by four sustainability experts, bloomUp is a Swiss agency committed to a sustainable society. Since 2019, it has been working with the Omega European Masters on biodiversity, climate and water initiatives, as well as inspiring other events. bloomUp has also been working with 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, ressources, 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