Making Golf Clubs Greener
The Decarbonisation Net Zero (DNZ) Programme
Golf clubs, encompassing both the clubhouse and the course, have significant energy consumption across various areas, including clubhouse operations, greenkeeping machinery, irrigation, and charging electric carts. Factors influencing energy consumption are course size and complexity of layout, climate and season, equipment efficiency, and maintenance practices. Addressing this consumption is crucial for clubs to improve sustainability and maximise their energy cost reduction.
A typical golf club with a 500,000 kWh annual energy consumption will have scope for a 30% reduction in energy consumption, which is equivalent to 25 Tonnes of CO2 emission savings. This energy reduction can result in annual financial savings of approximately £110,000, through the implementation of various measures for reducing energy consumption. With a capital investment of £430,000, the payback period is typically slightly lower than 4 years and can be 3 years with £100,000 of grant funding, via the local Council, to help off-set the price of the investment.
One of the key strategies for reducing energy consumption is by conducting a thorough energy audit to identify key areas where energy use can be reduced; from investing in energy-efficient machinery, lighting, and heating/cooling systems to significantly reduce energy consumption; implementing smart irrigation systems that use weather data and soil moisture sensors to optimize water usage as well as reduce energy consumption; to installing solar panels or other renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources; also encouraging staff and members to conserve energy through simple measures, such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use. All of these can, and do, make a difference.
The UK Government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050, known as the Net Zero target. To help meet this objective, the Government is currently running the Decarbonisation Net Zero (DNZ) Programme, which is a pilot delivered in affiliation with the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) in the West Midlands. Initiated by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and delivered by Aston University, it supports SMEs in reducing their environmental impact. Through the pilot programme, small businesses can access expert advice, by receiving a free energy assessment, which then allows them to apply for grants of up to £100,000 (with 50% match funding) to implement the energy-reduction measures recommended in the energy assessment report, and thereby lower their energy costs. Along with facilitating small businesses to decarbonise, the program improves the natural environment of the region and helps to grow the local economy.
To date seven golf clubs (Shirley, Moseley, Oxley Park, Olton, Copt Heath, North Warwickshire and Bloxwich) have undertaken energy audits through the Decarbonisation Net Zero (DNZ) Programme and some of these have now also successfully completed their grant applications and secured funding against the implementation of the recommended CO2 emission reduction measures.
Each organisation undertakes five simple steps to accomplish their Decarbonisation journey – register (start by completing the registration form on Business Growth West Midland’s website here or by contacting our team on the number below), audit triage (after registration, our Business Engagement Managers will reach out to you to complete the audit triage and check your eligibility), energy assessment (we will then conduct a free assessment, examining your energy usage and operations), recommendation report (based on the assessment, we’ll provide you with recommendations for cost-effective energy saving measures) and then grant application (your business has the opportunity to apply for grants of between £1000 to £100,000 to implement the energy efficiency recommendations).
To date over 1450 small business have had an energy assessment report completed and are seeing real energy saving benefits, golf clubs are among those taking advantage of this opportunity. The programme is open to businesses across the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton, and surrounding areas. If your golf club is located within this region, you could be eligible!
Join the growing number of golf clubs that are making substantial energy and cost savings. Register for the programme here and start your sustainability journey today.
