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Follow on Google News | Voluntary Environmental Programs: Helping Golf Courses in More Ways than OnePreliminary findings show that voluntary programs are effective in enhancing environmental performance of golf courses
The findings are preliminary results released by Audubon International from a study examining the return on investment and associated benefits experienced by golf courses which participate in voluntary environmental programs. The study was conducted by Greener Futures Consulting, LLC and Audubon International, and was supported in part by a 2015 grant from the United States Golf Association (USGA). The full report will be released later this year. The findings also corroborate challenges that limit widespread adoption of environmental programs and practices in the golf industry. While the study sought to analyze financial benefit to courses, the survey found that over 55% of respondents are not motivated by financial return and that reaching high standards requires some investment. For nearly thirty years, voluntary environmental programs have operated in the golf industry as a means to promote beneficial environmental management and sustainable practices. While many golf course facilities have adopted VEPs, overall participation rates within the golf industry remain relatively low—an estimated 13-15% of the roughly 15,000 golf facilities in the U.S. are enrolled. The survey of over 450 golf superintendents across the United States provides researchers with valuable information on the motivations, barriers to, and benefits of VEP adoption, including the following: •VEPs are highly effective to improve the environmental performance of golf course managers •95% of respondents have experienced a benefit through participation in a program •Over 55% are not motivated by cost-saving, and many have indicated that reaching high standards for environmental practice requires some investment •VEPs breed innovation and generate creative solutions to the care and stewardship of a course, which in turn, creates value for the property •Nearly 60% of participants experience an increase in personal job satisfaction "As we look at the various voluntary environmental programs available to golf course owners and operators and the ways to increase participation, information from research such as this helps to steer a more productive, industry-wide conversation about what works," states Joe Madeira, Director of Advancement for Audubon International. "We all need to have a better handle on what models help improve environmental performance of facilities who commit to raising the level of their environmental practices." Voluntary environmental programs (VEPs), specifically those with some type of third-party verification, certification, or oversight, are increasingly available to industries seeking independent review and confirmation of best practices. VEP's offer rigorous independent review outside the traditional "command-and- The full research analysis will be produced in a final report to become available later this year. About Audubon International Audubon International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) environmental organization providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, services, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, properties, new developments, and entire communities. For more information, visit Audubon International's website at http://www.auduboninternational.org. End
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