Our actions are part of the solution.
Sustainability
Sustainability
Is at the heart of everything we do
As a proud GEO-certified club since 2013, and 2025 winners of the England Golf Sustainability project of the year award, we have consistently worked to reduce our environmental impact while championing innovative solutions that improve nature, resource efficiency, and our community. Over the past year, we have undertaken a series of ambitious sustainability initiatives that highlight our commitment to creating a greener future for golf.
Sustainability project of the year
England Golf Award
“Birchwood Park was presented with the award in recognition of its outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.
Having been a GEO-certified club since 2013, Birchwood Park has continuously championed initiatives that enhance biodiversity, improve resource efficiency, and reduce its environmental footprint” England Golf.
General Manager
Stephen Norton has committed to 7 fundamental commitments which frame our strategy of how we will become Net Zero. For the last decade, Birchwood Park Golf & Country Club, part of the BGL Group has been a leader in sustainable golf and climate action and will continue to strive towards a greener future.
Our commitments are aligned to the Sustainable Golf Themes, Action Areas, OnCourse® tracking, Annual Scorecards and 5 yearly Certification provided by GEO Foundation (Golf Environmental Organisation) for Sustainable Golf.
We are proud to present what we have achieved so far across Energy, Water and Waste, and are committed to continuing our hard work within Sustainability and reducing the effects we have on the environment for the benefit of our employees, members, visitors and guests.
Our Focus
Over the past year, we have undertaken a series of ambitious sustainability initiatives that highlight our commitment to creating a greener future for golf.
Our Commitments
For the last decade, Burhill Golf and Leisure & Birchwood Park has been a sector leader in sustainable golf and climate action. These are our commitments for the coming years. Click into each area to discover the fantastic actions we are taking.
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WATER
Water conservation is a priority at Birchwood Park. Recognising the risks associated with water scarcity and pollution, we have developed an innovative water management system that redirects car park runoff into our irrigation infrastructure.
This approach enables us to irrigate our turf using captured rainwater, significantly reducing our reliance on potable water supplies. Additionally, this system helps prevent pollutants from entering local waterways, protecting the integrity of our surrounding environment. -
WASTE
Resource efficiency is integral to our operations. Over the past year, we have achieved zero waste to landfill, a significant milestone in our waste management strategy. By increasing recycling rates by 35%, we have embraced the principles of the circular economy.
Our efforts include working closely with suppliers to improve packaging recyclability and educating staff and members on waste segregation. These actions ensure that materials are reused and recycled wherever possible, reducing our environmental footprint and contributing to a cleaner planet. -
ENERGY
Energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption are key components of our sustainability strategy. In 2025, we will install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on our clubhouse, generating approximately 15% of our total electricity needs. This development complements our existing transition to 100% certified green electricity which has reduced emissions by 280 tCO2e per year since 2020, ensuring that our energy use aligns with our commitment to sustainability.
Our gas supply changed to certified green gas in March 2025, further reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, reducing our emissions by around 300 tCO2e per year. -
NATURE
Working with the Woodland Trust, we have restored 1.2 hectares of woodland within our grounds by planting a diverse mix of native trees. This project not only enhances the biodiversity of our club but also provides critical habitats for local wildlife, supporting birds, insects, and small mammals. By sequestering carbon, these trees actively help us offset our club’s carbon footprint, aligning with the UK’s broader net-zero targets.
Our
Carbon Summary
01
How is this measured?
Understanding of scopes 1, 2 and 3 will enable us to quantify our carbon taken in by the natural environment compared to what we are emitting
02
Scope 1 Emissions
Scope 1 looks at fuels burnt on site, including Gas, Petrol & Diesel from owned vehicles
03
Scope 2 Emissions
These are fuels consumed on site but created offsite – which would be Grid Electricity
04
Scope 3
Scope 3 includes everything else, including:
Supply chain – everything purchased creates emissions in manufacture, delivery, disposal
Vehicle journeys by vehicles not owned by BGL including commuting, Customer Travel to site, AC units coolant gases escaping
Delivery or disposal of BGL’s retail sales
Frequently Asked Questions
What sustainability commitments has Birchwood Park Golf & Country Club made?
Birchwood Park Golf & Country Club has made seven core sustainability commitments including resource conservation (water, energy), nature restoration, climate-action, tracking/reporting, staff & golfer engagement, procurement policies and community strengthening.
Is Birchwood Park certified for environmental practices?
Yes. The club has been certified by the GEO Foundation (Golf Environment Organisation) since 2013 and was recently awarded the 2025 England Golf “Sustainability Project of the Year”.
What actions is the club taking to conserve water and reduce pollution?
Birchwood Park uses an innovative water-management system that captures car-park runoff and rainfall, filters it, and uses it for irrigation – thereby reducing reliance on mains water and preventing pollutants entering local waterways.
How has the club addressed waste and recycling?
The club has achieved zero waste to landfill and increased its recycling rate significantly (for example, raising recycling by ~35 % in the recent year) by implementing improved waste segregation, working with suppliers, and educating staff and golfers.
What are the club’s energy and carbon-reduction initiatives?
Birchwood Park transitioned to 100% certified green electricity and green gas, installed solar PV panels on the clubhouse, and replaced petrol/diesel equipment (like ride-on mowers) with electric alternatives. These steps have reduced hundreds of tonnes of CO₂ per year.
How is the club enhancing nature, biodiversity and carbon capture?
In partnership with the Woodland Trust, the club restored approximately 1.2 hectares of native woodland on-site, planted native trees to support wildlife habitats, and used this as part of its carbon-sequestration strategy.
Why should visitors and members care about the club’s sustainability efforts?
By choosing Birchwood Park, visitors and members support a golf and country-club destination that is actively reducing environmental impact, preserving nature, and contributing to community wellbeing – making the experience both socially and environmentally responsible.
How can members or players get involved in the club’s sustainability programme?
Members and players can participate by following the club’s guidelines (e.g., waste separation, using designated bins), engaging in events or initiatives (such as tree-planting or charity eco-days), and staying informed via club communications about sustainability targets and progress.
What recognition has the club received for its sustainability work?
The club won the 2025 England Golf “Sustainability Project of the Year” award in recognition of its outstanding environmental responsibility and programmes at the club.
How does sustainability at Birchwood Park impact the golf & country-club experience?
Sustainability efforts enhance course and facility quality (e.g., well-managed habitats, cleaner water, modern equipment), promote a healthier environment (for wildlife and visitors), and reflect a forward-thinking club ethos – all of which add positive value to the visitor experience.