Audubon International launched its new Club Amenities certification program that guides and recognizes golf and country clubs and resorts for their environmental stewardship beyond the golf course.
Covering clubhouses, racquet courts, fitness centers, pools and other recreational areas, Audubon International’s management practices help its club amenities members elevate their ecological and financial well-beings.
The Audubon International club amenities playbook includes how to create:
- Wildlife protection habitats
- Healthy landscapes
- Integrated pest management controls
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Low-energy usages
- Plastics reduction
- SMART utilities choices
- Culinary gardens and composting
Clubs that piloted the science-based sustainability program prior to official launch reported meaningful reductions in operating costs while enhancing product and service deliveries. They also attracted and secured new members and guests who favor eco-friendly clubs over those without conservation measures.
Additional outcomes of club amenities’ environmental activities include enhancing club aesthetics, building credibility in the community and strengthening staff pride.
“We listened to the desires of our cooperative sanctuary for golf members to offer a club amenities program that covers sustainability throughout the entire property,” says Ken Benoit, CEO of Audubon International. “It’s rewarding to help golf business thrive in building community trust, differentiating from neighboring competitors, improving operations, reducing risk and improving top and bottom lines.”
Across club amenities, golf and green community membership categories, progress toward achieving Audubon International certification focuses on environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, waste and procurement, chemical use reduction and safety, and water conservation quality management.
The procedure-related workload on team members is not burdensome; rather, it tucks in nicely with existing club amenities functions.
To further illustrate Audubon International’s popularity as a sustainable best practices leader, corporate social responsibility statistics show that 77% of consumers prefer purchasing from socially responsible companies, and 93% of employees believe businesses must lead with purpose.
