Nachhaltigkeit
In search of continuous improvement, the Omega European Masters has given itself a mission that by 2022 it will be GEO certified, an international distinction in the field of sustainability. Since 2019, GEO Foundation and The SHIFT have been working with the Organization, analysing each area of the tournament, and thereafter producing a sustainability report.
The tournament's commitment is in line with Swiss Golf's ambition and sustainable development vision.
For 2021, here are six main areas related to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 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. Simultaneously, the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club is committed to the preservation of biodiversity by naturalising certain areas of the course and planting trees.
New for 2021: The event calculates its carbon footprint in order to evaluate its impact and allow the implementation of specific reduction programs.
Improvements and considerations for 2022-23: Carbon compensation for the transportation of players to Switzerland. The installation of beehives along the green.
2. Circular economy & waste management [SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production]
Based on a circular economy, waste management according to the 3Rs [reduction - reuse - recycling] will be set up. As an example, the reuse of furniture from year-to-year is a flagship at the event and dates back to UEFA EURO 2008 in Switzerland.
New for 2021: Reusable tableware is deployed across the event.
Improvements and considerations for 2022-2023: Choice of materials, second life of carpets and fabrics. Looking towards zero waste
3. Responsible catering [SDG 3, Good Health and Wellbeing]
The event wants to pay attention to the fact that eating is not only a social time and a way to relax but also represents the possibility of doing it responsibly.
Five fundamentals are advocated: a. Provenance (local); b. Production mode (labels) c. Type of products; d. Season; e. Degree of transformation.
New for 2021: No PET bottles distributed to the general public.
Improvements and considerations for 2022-2023: Food redistribution via the digital application TooGoodToGo.
4. Energy transition & water conservation [SDG 7, Clean Energy / 6, Clean Water]
The Omega European Masters has contributed to the installation of the electricity network along the golf course, drastically reducing the use of generators. In addition, the tournament ensures a green energy supply via Energies Sion Region (ESR). Moreover, a reversible air-conditioning system consisting of a heat pump, a buffer tank (1000L of water), water hoses and air handling unit (CTA) has been installed, an efficient and autonomous thermostatic installation consuming little electricity.
New for 2021: Installation of water fountains to eliminate PET [+50'000 bottles eliminated].
Improvements and considerations for 2022-2023: Installation of a pellet boiler to replace the heating oil or transition to biofuel
5. Intelligent transportation [ SDG 9, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure / 11, Sustainable Cities]
The tournament wants to encourage increased use of public transport. Thus, the funicular from Sierre to Crans-Montana sees greater passenger numbers during the event. In Crans-Montana, free shuttles operate every 15 minutes. Upon arrival in Switzerland, the organisation transfers players by train to Sierre. Logistics are thought out in the most effective way. All golf carts are also electric.
New for 2021: Upon their arrival at the Sierre train station, electric Porsches transport players to and around the resort.
Improvements and considerations for 2022-2023: Encouragement of multimodal mobility, soft mobility and development of new apps.
6. Engagement [SDG 10, Reduced Inequality / 17, Partnerships for Goals]
In order to be inclusive, the event has a price policy that is accessible to as many people as possible and free for under 18s. For persons with reduced mobility (PRM), the implementation of reception measures has been provided for many years. A specific number is planned: +41 (0) 27 565 78 60.
New for 2021: New area dedicated to PRMs at the top of the stand on hole 13.
Improvements and considerations for 2022-2023: The Omega European Masters aims to sign the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.
This list is not exhaustive and is ever developing. In parallel, the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf-Club also engaged with GEO Foundation on their 'OnCourse®' program in partnership with Swiss Golf. The focus will be on biodiversity conservation, pesticide reduction, water conservation, among other sustainable golf course and golf course management initiatives.
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 more sustainability.
Contact for the Omega European Masters Sustainability:
Neil Beecroft (Valais), +41 (0)76 456 28 24, sustainability@omegaeuropeanmasters.com
About 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 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 GEO Foundation
Communications Director
Roddy Williams (UK), +44 7899 940029, roddy@sustainable.golf
