Kokkolan Golf

Notable Observations

• Bird Nesting Infrastructure Across the Course Fifty bird boxes have been installed across the course to support local bird species, alongside a BirdLife survey of bird populations. A swan family is present on site, with course maintenance and play adjusted to safeguard nesting and wellbeing.
• Forest Management with the City of Kokkola Forested areas are managed in collaboration with the City of Kokkola under a regularly updated forest management plan. Selective thinning is carried out to manage conditions across the course, including around greens.
• Naturalisation of Low-Play Areas Golfer routes are monitored to identify areas outside play, which have been converted into natural meadows, including areas near fairways 3, 4 and 5. These areas are maintained at lower intensity and are not fertilised.
• Targeted Irrigation and Groundwater Use Irrigation is limited to greens and tee boxes, while fairways remain unirrigated. Water is sourced from a groundwater basin within the course, with irrigation adjusted according to weather and soil conditions.
• Water Reduction Through Facility Upgrades Water consumption is actively monitored following a completed water audit. Annual usage has been reduced by approximately 200 m³ through the installation of automatic showers, taps and new drinking water points.
• Energy Audit Driving System Changes An energy audit has been carried out to assess energy use across the facility. Based on this, plans are being developed to replace oil heating with an air-to-water heat pump and to install solar panels on the maintenance building.
• Large-Scale School Engagement Programme Around 2,500 schoolchildren visit the course each year in spring and autumn to take part in sports instruction. Most participants arrive by walking or cycling.
• Multi-Use Site with Seasonal Activities The clubhouse is used outside the golf season for private events and a golf simulator. In winter, the course hosts a “skiing with dog” track, and the club also collaborates with other sports including disc golf, bowling and horse riding.

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“The Kokkola Golf team have achieved excellent results with their environmental and sustainability activities. The course’s natural values have been well maintained and developed, e.g. by supporting bird nesting, managing the forests and protecting the groundwater area. Energy and water audits are leading to major resource efficiency improvements. The club plays a dynamic role in the wider community, which is demonstrated by active junior golf, school collaboration and para-golf programmes, and by a broad and diverse partnership network. I look forward to seeing the updated nature survey, results of the energy projects, and expanded sustainability communication.”

Pentti Viluksela (GEO accredited independent verifier)