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Gleneagles

Gleneagles

Auchterarder, Scotland

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.

2013, 2019, 2024, for renewal 2029

Notable Observations

  • Data-Driven Biodiversity Strategy Gleneagles has implemented a three-year Biodiversity Action Plan guided by ecological consultants and Scottish Natural Heritage. Surveys using eDNA and kick sampling have recorded over 120 plant species, otters, pine martens, and red-listed birds, leading to targeted habitat enhancement.
  • Habitat Connectivity and Tree Planting Staff volunteers planted 1,000 native trees (oak, rowan, wild cherry) to improve biodiversity, carbon storage, and wildlife food sources, with another 1,000 planned for this year. Habitat connections across the estate are a priority
  • Precision Turf Management Bentgrass is favoured for its deep rooting and reduced water needs. GPS-guided fertiliser application, soil testing, and intensive aeration programs reduce inputs, while a sub-air system on the PGA course improves disease control and surface quality
  • Food Waste Reduction Using AI AI-powered Winnow cameras monitor kitchen waste, cutting food waste by 32.98% in 10 months, preventing 32.8 tonnes of waste and 141.2 tCO₂e. This supports Gleneagles’ pledge to reduce food waste by 60% by 2030
  • ClearWater Wash Bay System A 10,000-litre wash bay system recycles 100% of water using microbes and aerators, reducing both water consumption and pollutants. This is part of a major maintenance facility upgrade
  • Sustainable Purchasing and Recycling The estate has a dedicated recycling yard, composting facilities, and strong local sourcing policies. All dry waste is handled by a local recycling company, and wet waste is removed by licensed contractors
  • Net Zero by 2040 Commitment Gleneagles has a Director of Sustainability overseeing all operations, pledging Net Zero emissions by 2040. Data-driven decisions, like drone mapping for carbon capture analysis, are shaping future strategy
  • Deep Community Engagement Initiatives include local charitable funding, volunteer tree planting, sensory engagement for children with disabilities, and support for Anchor House in Perth. The business also runs inclusive apprenticeship
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“Gleneagles is a champion of sustainable practices across the entire business with a pledge to become Net Zero by 2040 and reduce food waste by 60% by 2030. The ‘Director of Sustainability" has helped the business realise a variety of interesting data-driven projects and is dedicated to delivering the above pledges with sustainability at the core. The golf courses continue to strive for improvement with reductions in water consumption, more use of natural fertiliser products and the use of more hybrid/electric powered machinery. It will be interesting to see how recorded data from drone aerials may impact future decisions to drive even more environmentally sustainable actions. The Gleneagles website offers a fantastic sustainability document well worth a read Our Impact | Gleneagles .”

Stuart Rennie (GEO accredited independent verifier)
GEO Certified Reports
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