Golf defines new era in transparent environmental certification

As the result of an innovative partnership between the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) and award-winning digital agency Line, a cutting-edge new website is driving environmental excellence across the €200 billion global golf industry.

[UKPRwire, Wed Jun 10 2009] As the result of an innovative partnership between the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) and award-winning digital agency Line, a cutting-edge new website is driving environmental excellence across the €200 billion global golf industry.

Accessible to any golf course, anywhere - from prestigious tournament venues to community clubs - the site lays claim to offering the most streamlined form of environmental certification available in any major sector. Cutting approval times and driving efficiencies throughout the application process, the site has been hailed as a major breakthrough in the battle to cut international sport’s carbon footprint.

“The major criticism leveled at environmental certifications is that the process is typically shrouded in smoke and mirrors. They are never as transparent as they should be, which is why we’ve designed an open mechanism that promotes the progress of participants from the moment they complete registration” said Benjamin Warren, Director of Communications at the Golf Environment Organisation.

“While certifications programmes have been knocking around for years, they are typically unappealing to the general public and incur a heavy additional workload for the body seeking certification. What this site delivers is an attractive and efficient mechanism that enables any golf facility to represent their environmental commitment and be publicly recognised for achieving the highest levels of performance.”

Participants in the GEO Certification programme are supported by a wealth of technical information and best practice advice as their application proceeds. More than fifty golf courses across Asia, Europe and North America are currently working with the system. Prestigious European Tour venues Loch Lomond and The Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor are working towards recognition and have already published environmental policies and detailed registration reports on the site.

The global golf industry is rapidly embracing environmental certification. With a growing number of national golf associations adopting the scheme and actively promoting it to member clubs, GEO Certification is becoming the de facto standard in many territories as governing bodies strive to improve the sport’s reputation for responsible management.

As the emphasis on climate change gathers importance, experts from GEO are in high demand, sitting on conference panels & advising on environmental issues in partnership with a range of world sport’s governing bodies including FIFA and the London 2012 Olympics. The organisation, which works with a range of commercial and sporting partners including Rolex and the European Golf Association, is also currently developing and delivering the environmental management plan for the 2010 Ryder Cup.

“The GEO build is something Line is particularly proud to be involved with. In addition to playing a vital role in improving international sport’s environmental sustainability, the year-long project pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved with a custom designed CMS and site architecture,” said Ross Laurie, Line’s Managing Director.

“We’re delighted to have collaborated on what has become a truly cutting-edge project.”

Original release at: http://www.line.uk.com/news/2009/golf-defines-new-era-transparent-environmental-cer/

About Line
Line is a digital agency. They help clients profit through digital channels. Insightful, knowledgeable and creative; that’s Line. A digital agency that works alongside clients to deliver success for both, they use sophisticated internet-based marketing techniques to offer accountability and results, delivering innovative easy-to-manage technology and award-winning design. The results are there for all to see. http://www.line.uk.com
About the Golf Environment Organisation

GEO is a non-profit organisation working to maximise the social, economic and environmental benefits of golf. Borne out of a partnership project between the European Golf Association, R&A, European Tour and European Commission, GEO has been driving environmental initiatives in golf since 1994. In succeeding years it has established partnerships with major golf organisations worldwide and been a catalyst for action across the sector. http://www.golfenvironment.org/