What is the Golf Environment Organization?  The Golf Environment Organization (GEO) is an international non-governmental organization working to enhance the economic, social and environmental benefits of golf. Committed to partnering throughout the global golf community to raise standards, provide productive solutions and objectively appraise and recognize performance, GEO is supported by a global network of partners, scientists, thought leaders, industry representatives and major organizations such as The R&A, European Tour, European Golf Association, WWF, UNEP, and the Golf Club Managers Associations of Europe, America and China.To achieve GEO Certification, golf courses must publicly represent and have independently verified a high level of performance in a wide variety of environmental and conservation areas. Out on a Limb can help you achieve this. For example: enhancing nature protection by increasing the size and connection of natural habitats; placing an emphasis on entirely native planting, enhancing landscape and cultural heritage; minimizing water consumption; protecting and enhancing water quality; minimizing pesticide use; reducing resource and energy consumption and waste; providing comprehensive internal and external environmental communications and maintaining an Environmental Management Plan. Golf Environment Organization Certification Program encourages the leading edge in sustainable management practices and recognizes golf properties on an international level. Out on a Limb can provide guidance and direction in achieving program goals, including:
Steps towards GEO Certification with Out on a Limb Out on a Limb provides General Managers, Club House Managers and Superintendents with practical environmental management solutions that easily lead to Golf Environment Organization certification. Our support allows the staff to concentrate on running a golf course, while we create a program specific to your property’s needs that will establish you as a local business leader in sustainability. We follow the "4M Approach": Measure, Manage, Maintain and Monitor.  "You can't manage what you don't measure" This is our Data Collection and Auditing phase. By evaluating where you are at with the appropriate metrics we can easily track and plan your environmental, economic and social impacts of your operations. During this time frame we concentrate on collecting information related to the certification criteria. This will include auditing your facilities, becoming familiar with your management protocols and meeting with select stakeholders.  Manage: This is where we evaluate possible solutions or "tweaks" to your operations. Out on a Limb evaluates what comes in to your property, how it is used and how it leaves. We identify areas of concern, rate them and develop plans that fit within each departments budget, goals and expectations discussed during the auditing process. Finalizing policies for GEO criteria and make policies available on website and marketing packages. Create timeline for completion of outstanding criteria and any other changes deemed necessary.   Maintain: Out on a Limb assists in the implementation of strategies, management protocols, and integration of these new "habits" in to your operations. Creating a culture around these new values takes time, we are here to help in that transition.  Monitor: Out on a Limb establishes monitoring protocols to continue efforts in to the future. By monitoring and recording the results of the changes made we build the case for sustainability.  Apply for Certification - Once all documentation that supports the clubs efforts have been prepared, staff have gained the insight and understanding of sustainable management through the certification process and Business As Usual reflects these policies, we will invite a GEO Sustainability Advisor (GEOSA) to verify your club's operations.  |  Who are GEO Sustainability Associates (GEOSA)? GEOSA are highly qualified and experienced technical experts who specialize in the business of sustainable golf and are trained in GEO’s sustainable golf philosophy, guidance and certification programming. GEOSA are accredited by the Golf Environment Organization to undertake, third party, on-site and publicly reported verification visits for all applicants for the GEO Certified™ ecolabel. While official GEO verification work is their primary and accredited function, GEOSA provide other extremely valuable services in support of sustainable golf - including: support, advocacy and education. All GEOSA understand: - What can be expected of golf clubs in terms of credible environmental stewardship and ethical behavior. - The range of environmental issues related to golf facility management. - The external and internal factors (processes and influences) that effect golf facility management decision making. GEOSA share the belief that sustainable golf is great golf: a better product, a better experience for the golfer, and an expression of the valuable social and environmental role that golf plays in communities around the world. Morrison assists golf courses in Canada under Out on a Limb and in the US under the Golf Resource Group. Some examples of GEOSA work: Advising role at a Certified facility: Advising role at a Pending Certification facility: - Los Alamos GC (Legacy) - Pender Harbour GC (On-Course) - University GC (On-Course) |
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