Nachhaltigkeit

In search of continuous improvement, the Omega European Masters has given itself a mission to be GEO certified, an international distinction in the field of sustainability. Since 2019, the GEO Foundation and The SHIFT have been working with the Organisation, analysing each area of the tournament before and during the event, and recommending strong actions for continuous improvement. Here are the sustainability reports for the 2021 edition and the one for 2019 pre-covid.  The tournament's commitment is in line with Swiss Golf's ambition and vision of sustainable development as well as the Agenda 2030 of the Canton of Valais.

For 2022, here are six main axes linked to the 2030 Agenda that are deployed on the event:

1. Climate and Biodiversity [SDG 13, Climate Action / 15, Life on Land]

• The Omega European Masters is committed to reducing its carbon emissions and contributing to climate action. At the same time, the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club is committed to preserving biodiversity by ensuring the naturalisation of certain areas of the course.
• Since 2021, the event has been calculating its carbon footprint in order to assess its impact and enable the implementation of dedicated reduction programmes.

 New in 2022:

• The installation of bug hotels and birdhouses along the green.
• The Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club has become GEO certified.   

Improvements and reflections for 2023-24:

• Carbon offsetting for the transport of players and visitors to and within Switzerland.
• Explore insetting within the event's activities.
• A lake revegetation project is planned by the Golf Club.

2. Circular economy & waste management [SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production]

• Based on a circular economy approach, waste management according to the 3Rs [reduce - reuse - recycle] is implemented. As a concrete example, the reuse of furniture from year to year is a flagship action and even dates back to the UEFA EURO 2008 in Switzerland.
• In 2021, reusable tableware was deployed throughout the event and 400 kg of cotton was collected for reuse. 

New for 2022:

• Increased upstream work with all partners to reduce single-use plastics.

Improvements and reflections for 2023-2024:

• Choice of materials, 2nd life of fabrics and tapestry. Reflection towards zero waste.

3. Responsible catering [SDG 3, Good Health and Wellbeing]

• The event aims to raise awareness of the fact that eating is not only a social time and a
• way to relax, but also an opportunity to do so in a responsible manner.
• Five basic principles are advocated: a. Provenance (localism); b. Production method
• (labels); c. Type of products; d. Seasonality; e. Degree of transformation.
• A sustainable catering charter is sent to all caterers.
• In 2021, no PET bottles were distributed to the general public, staff or players.

New in 2022:

• All restaurants offer vegetarian meals.

Improvements and reflections for 2023-2024:

• Redistribution of surplus food via local organisations and/or the digital application TooGoodtoGo.

4. Energy transition & water conservation [SDG 7, Clean Energy / 6, Clean Water]

• The Omega European Masters has contributioned to the installation of the electricity network along the golf course, drastically reducing the need for generators.
• The tournament ensures a green energy supply via Oiken.
• A reversible air conditioning system consisting of a heat pump, a buffer tank (1000L of water), water hoses and an air handling unit (AHU) has been installed, an efficient and autonomous thermostatic installation consuming little electricity.
• In 2021, the event deployed water fountains for athletes to eliminate PET. 

New in 2022:

• Water management plan and monitoring emphasised.
• Sale of reusable bottles and encouragement to spectators to take their own bottles with them.

Improvements and reflections for 2023-2024 :

• Map of the site showing water points for spectators

5. Intelligent transportation [ SDG 9, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure / 11, Sustainable Cities]

• The tournament wants to encourage the use of public transport
• In Crans-Montana, free shuttle buses run every 15 minutes.
• Upon arrival in Switzerland, the players take the train to Sierre and then electric Porsche cars are used for the rest of their journey. 
• The logistics are optimised.

New for 2022 : 

• Communication campaign to encourage visitors to use soft mobility or car sharing. 

Improvements and reflections for 2023-2024 :

• An online map showing the charging points for electric cars.
• Visitors will be able to calculate the carbon footprint of their journey and voluntarily participate in a carbon offset project chosen in advance by the Omega European Masters.

6. Engagement [SDG 10, Reduced Inequality / 17, Partnerships for Goals]

• In order to be inclusive, the event has a pricing policy that is accessible to as many people as possible, and offers free admission for under 18s.
• For persons with reduced mobility (PRM), the implementation of reception measures have been in place for many years. A specific number is provided: +41 (0)27 565 78 60.

New for 2022 : 

• More signage for PRMs

Improvements and reflections for 2023-2024 :

• The Omega European Masters aims to sign the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.
   

This list is not exhaustive and is intended to evolve. In parallel, the Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre also engaged with the GEO Foundation on their 'OnCourse®' programme in partnership with Swiss Golf. The focus is on biodiversity preservation, pesticide reduction, water conservation, among other sustainable golf course and club management initiatives.

The Omega European Masters not only wants to progress, but also to serve as an example for golf and other events, becoming a catalyst for more sustainability.

Contact  for  the Omega European Masters
Responsables Durabilité     
Neil Beecroft / Emma Lüthi, +41 76 456 28 24
sustainability@omegaeuropeanmasters.com

Présentation The SHIFT
The SHIFT is an agency founded by four award-winning experts and disruptors in sustainability, innovation and sport. Based in Sion and Lausanne (Switzerland), its mission is to contribute to a sustainable, healthy and prosperous society that integrates global limits and social justice in exciting and innovative ways.
The agency has a proven track record in strategy, implementation, engagement, operations and reporting and is an expert in sustainability and sport. The SHIFT has been working with the Omega European Masters since 2019 and together they have created actions to preserve biodiversity, climate, water, promote circular economies and inspire other events. In particular, The SHIFT has collaborated with other golf events, such as the US Kids Golf Venice Open, for which they conducted the verification for GEO certification. As of 2022, The SHIFT has accompanied the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club towards GEO certification.
 

Présentation  GEO Foundation
GEO Foundation is the only non-profit in the world entirely dedicated to the mission of advancing sustainability in and through golf. Working collaboratively with stakeholders across golf, government, civic society, academia and the wider sporting world GEO has developed a suite of custom-built sustainable development programs for golf - for existing courses, new developments and golf tournaments. These ‘OnCourse®’ programs are underpinned by comprehensive sustainability standards that address a wide range of relevant social and environmental issues across the Nature, Resources and Community themes. GEO Certified® is the internationally endorsed label for sustainable golf, accredited by the ISEAL Alliance - the global body which represents some of the world’s most recognisable and trusted ecolabels including Fairtrade, Forest Stewardship Council, Marine Stewardship Council and Rainforest Alliance. Find out more about sustainability in and through golf, GEO Foundation, OnCourse programs, certification and leadership examples at sustainable.golf.

Contact
Roddy Williams, communications director
roddy@sustainable.golf, (UK) +44 7899 940029