Sustainability

Our actions are part of the solution.

Sustainability

Is at the heart of everything we do

As a proud GEO-certified club since 2013, 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.

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Our Commitments

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.

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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.

  • Woodland Restoration and Carbon Sequestration
  • Zero waste to landfill and Enhanced Recycling
  • Innovative Water Management
  • Renewable Energy and Transition to Green Gas
  • Holistic Approach to Sustainability
  • A vision for the future
  • Recognition and Inspiration
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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 is changing to certified green gas in March 2025, further reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, further 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.

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Our

Timeline

10 march 2023

GEO Certified

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15 march 2023

Reservoir built

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10 march 2023

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10 march 2023

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Carbon

Summary

2015

Joined GEO

2018

Recertified as GEO accredited

2018

100% renewable electricity contract

2021

Recertified as GEO accredited

2021

Reservoir built

2022

LED’s installed

2023

New electric greens mower