Sustainability | Omega European Masters

About

The Omega European Masters is committed to delivering a world-class tournament and positioning itself as a leading benchmark in sustainable golf events, with a strong focus on measurable impact and continuous improvement. Since 2019, the OEM has worked closely with bloomUp agency and the GEO Foundation to advance its environmental, social and local economic performance. Certified by the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf in 2022 and aiming to be recertified this year, the tournament is part of Switzerland Tourism's Swisstainable program and aligned with Swiss Golf and the Canton of Valais 2030 Agenda.

Sustainability actions are structured around six focus areas and monitored through defined KPIs, with annual reporting and continuous improvement at the core of the approach.

[View the 2025 Sustainability Report]

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
Definition of a long-term carbon reduction trajectory aligned with recognised methodologies (GHG Protocol / science-based approaches)
Prioritisation of emission reduction measures before the use of carbon financing mechanisms
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 nesting and local species monitoring
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
Availability of on-site carbon financing options at the ticket office
Indication of biodiversity zones on official maps to raise public awareness

Targets for 2026

Reduce total carbon emissions by 10% compared to 2025 (1 111,26 tCO2 baseline)
Achieve 10% spectator participation in optional carbon contributions to finance at least 10% of Scope 3 emissions (3% of spectator participation in 2025 to finance 3% of Scope 3 emissions)

New for 2026

Install 5 additional bird boxes at the western end of the Ballesteros golf course
Indicate the location of rare, protected or endangered species throughout the course
Increase by 2 the number of stone piles to support micro-habitats in sunny areas. Install 3 bug hotels.
Include some figures from the Swiss Olympic Klimafonds report on the website
Calculate and publish in the sustainability report the carbon footprint per spectator to make the figures more meaningful and encourage the public to take responsibility

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 resources 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 Village (no physical cards)
Elimination of printed start lists, equivalent to 30,000 paper copies saved
Elimination of PET bottles inside the Mont Blanc Village
Establishment of a deposit system in case of glass/PET bottles sales (refreshment stands along the course)

Targets for 2026

Reduce incinerated waste by 10% (33,5% in 2025)
Achieve 70% waste recycling (64% in 2025)
Integrate waste reduction requirements into 100% of supplier contracts
Compost 100% of back-of-house food waste
Achieve a high reuse rate of temporary event infrastructure (furniture, signage, materials)

New for 2026

Develop a resource recovery plan (cotton, wood, etc.) in collaboration with La Ressourcerie
Train staff and stands on sorting best practices and circular economy rules
Collaborate with Nine June to give event banners a 2nd life

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, single-use tableware banned
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 caterers
Offering at least 1 vegetarian or vegan meal per food stand
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

Targets for 2026

Use 100% of reusable tableware and 0% of single-use plastic in catering
Serve 75% sustainable foods (including 75% local, 25% organic, 50% certified)
Serve at least 33% of vegetarian/vegan food
Reduce food waste by 10% (2,35t in 2025)

New for 2026

Highlight vegetarian/vegan options on VIP menus
Work with the VIP catering team to highlight the vegetarian and vegan dishes at the buffet

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

Grid electricity purchased through the energy supplier’s green energy program [Oiken]
Water supply from the mountains through a gravity-fed system, without the use of pumping stations
Operation of a water metering system: 3 water meters set up on temporary infrastructure
Deployment of water fountains for athletes, staff, media and the public, mapped across the venue
Full transition of broadcast operations (DP Tour) from diesel generators to the local electrical grid.

Targets for 2026

Use 100% grid electricity for event operations during the tournament

New for 2026

Prioritise drought-tolerant native species in landscaping and planting schemes
Explore the use of e-Most batteries as a backup power source for TV broadcasting

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 is committed to promoting soft, eco-friendly mobility.

Ongoing initiatives

Transportation of players by train from airport to Sierre, then by electric vehicles to Crans-Montana
Provision of free local shuttles within Crans-Montana for fans
Provision of electric vehicle charging stations
Development of incentives and communication measures to shift spectator mobility behaviour towards public and active transport
Communication of transport information and eco-friendly travel tips to visitors
Installation of a bike parking area (electric & classic) for spectators and staff

Targets for 2026

Encourage more than 30% of the spectators to use public, multimodal, or active transport (24% in 2025)
Switch to a fleet composed of 90% electric and hybrid vehicles for official tournament use (85% in 2025)

New for 2026

Provide a brochure explaining how to get to the event by public transport when purchasing tickets online; also available on our website
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 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 PRMs, with improved signage. Specific number: +41 27 565 78 60. Admission is free for a companion when the person with limited mobility is unable to travel alone
Designation of two accessible zones for PRMs and companions at holes 13 and 18
Communication of sustainable initiatives via the website, social media and the newsletter
Signature of the IUCN Sport For Nature Framework
Partnerships with schools on various projects (golf lessons, building bird boxes)
Partnerships with associations and clubs to make tournaments and golf more accessible

Targets for 2026

Ensure 100% of public zones are accessible for people with reduced mobility
Achieve 5% participation of young people under 18
Raise awareness of sustainability issues among 100% of stakeholders
Measure and track stakeholder awareness and participation in sustainability initiatives

New for 2026

Obtain the GEO Re-certification for the tournament
Create an awareness video (actions, good tips, offsetting, etc.) during the tournament for subsequent broadcast in 2027

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. Since 2022, bloomUp has further strengthened the long-term sustainability commitment by working also with the Golf Club of Crans-sur-Sierre.

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.