The sustainability efforts and achievements of three pioneering organisations and individuals were recognised at the presentation of Environmental Innovation Awards from the Golf Environment Organization (GEO) and its partner, global logistics company UPS.
The sustainability efforts and achievements of three pioneering organisations and individuals were recognised at the presentation of Environmental Innovation Awards from the Golf Environment Organization (GEO) and its partner, global logistics company UPS. The Dutch Golf Federation (NGF), the Scandinavian Turf and Research Foundation (STERF) and CMAE Member Stig Persson, the General Manager of Ljunghusens Golf Club in Sweden have all demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership, in very different ways, in the promotion and delivery of environmental and social responsibility across the golf industry. 
Speaking at the official Sustainable Golf Reception and Award Ceremony at Wentworth, on the occasion of the BMW PGA
Championships, Bjorn Nordberg, Chairman of GEO’s Advisory Council said: “GEO is absolutely delighted to be able to shine a light on the work of these three very different contributions. From the practical, on the ground delivery at Ljunghusens, to the leadership of the Dutch Golf Federation and to the vital knowledge brought forward by STERF – all three deserve recognition, and all three demonstrate how broadly these issues touch the game. They deserve all of our respect and appreciation as golf comes to accept the challenges and embrace the opportunities that sustainability presents.”
Theodore Oben, Chief, Sport & Environment, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), delivered an inspirational speech congratulating the award recipients and the growing momentum of golf’s green drive: “What a great pleasure it was to spend the day immersed in golf at Wentworth. UNEP congratulates the award winners for the inspiring commitment and achievements that demonstrate how every person, every organisation and every sector of society can make a difference. GEO, The European Tour and UPS, along with all the other stakeholders present, have created a strong platform of partners, vision and credible solutions which we hope will continue to drive the green in golf – particularly in the lead in to the 2016 Olympics.”
David MacLaren, European Tour Director of Property and Venue Development was in attendance and highlighted the significance of the occasion: “The European Tour would like to congratulate the Dutch Golf Federation, STERF and Ljunghusens Golf Club. As founding partners of GEO and pioneers in the greening of sporting events through last year’s Green Drive, we are committed to supporting golf’s environmental and corporate responsibility – through our own actions and also by helping to promote the work of others. Today was another valuable milestone in all our efforts to maximise the overall social and environmental contribution of the game of golf. We thank UPS for their commitment to this cause and look forward to working with all our current and future sponsors in bringing innovative corporate responsibility into golf.”
