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Furnas Golf Course

Furnas Golf Course

Furnas, Portugal

Sustainable Golf Pledge

We are committed to social and environmental responsibility, in and through golf.

We recognize the importance of playing our part to protect and restore nature, conserve resources, take climate action and strengthen communities.

We will seek to use our reach to raise awareness and positive action amongst golfers, partners and the wider public.

We will make an important difference, and help golf become a valued leader in sustainability.

GEO Certified

Through becoming GEO Certified we have achieved the most widely regarded and credible sustainability distinction in golf.  The international certification was earned after successfully meeting the industry-standard best practices and demonstrating our commitment to make sustainability of central importance to our golf facility.  We're proud of our social and environmental value - and looking forward to doing even more on our sustainability journey.

Certified 2024 - 2026, for renewal 2027

Notable observations

  • Habitat Conservation: A turf reduction programme converted approximately 2 hectares of the golf course into low-maintenance natural areas to promote biodiversity and reduce the environmental impact​.
  • Wildlife Support: The golf course's water bodies act as key stopovers for migratory birds and habitats for amphibians, with future plans to establish wildlife sanctuaries in out-of-play areas​.
  • Water Management: Irrigation targets only essential areas such as greens, using weather patterns and soil moisture analysis to optimise efficiency​.
  • Energy Efficiency: Renewable energy accounts for 34.9% of the total electricity consumed, reflecting a commitment to reducing dependency on non-renewable resources​ .
  • Local Events and Heritage: The Furnas Golf Course annually hosts several tournaments, including the Vasco Bensaude Golf Tournament, which honours a pioneer of golf in the Azores​.
  • Visitor Engagement: Suggestions to enhance visitor interaction include adding a sustainability page on the website and offering guided walks focusing on the course’s history and biodiversity​.
“

The Furnas Golf Course is a beautifully designed course that not only offers a challenging golfing experience but also showcases the rich biodiversity and history of the surrounding area. Continued efforts to integrate wildlife education and historical context into the golfing experience will enhance its appeal and support conservation efforts in the region. I look forward to witnessing the ongoing progress in these initiatives.

Alexandra Almeida (GEO accredited independent verifier)
GEO Certified Reports
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