Project: New Zealand's Only Accredited GEOSA

Client: Golf Environment Organisation

Timeframe: December 2014

Will Bowden of SSDM has recently become successful in being awarded accreditation from the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) as New Zealnd's only Golf Environment Organisation Sustainability Associate (GEOSA).

This means that Will is the only Consultant within New Zealand who is able to offer support and advice to golf courses anywhere in the Country that wish to become GEO Certified and/or enrol upon the on-line 'OnCourse' environmental sustainability programme.

The GEO is an internationally recognised and respected organisation that is officially endorsed by major bodies within the golf sector such as: The Royal & Ancient, The PGA European Tour, The Ryder Cup and numerous others. Currently there are no GEO Certified golf courses in New Zealand, whilst in Australia the following courses are on some form of GEO certification programme: Royal Melbourne, Albany Golf Club and The National Golf Club.

GEO Certification is applicable to existing and new golf course developments. It provides a cost efficient and applied method of identifying and tracking the longterm environmental sustainability performance of an entire Golf Club. Tracked criteria include: Energy, Supplier chain, Nature, Water supply and Community etc.

If you are interested in learning more about the programme the first step is to check out the website link http://www.golfenvironment.org/ then get in touch with Will on: 021 475 941 or email: will.bowden@ssdm.co.nz