Levi Golf & Country Club Oy

Notable Observations

• Extensive Botanical Survey of Boreal Site An extensive and well-documented botanical survey has been completed for the site. This reflects a strong understanding of the boreal environment in which the course operates.
• Legally Defined Buffer Zones to Natura 2000 Waters A 15-metre buffer zone is maintained between the course and the Natura 2000-designated Ounasjoki River, and 10-metre buffer zones are maintained around Taalojärvi lake, ponds and the Taalo-oja stream as specified in planning permits. These buffers formally protect sensitive water bodies.
• Bird Nesting Boxes Installed with Local NGO Bird nesting boxes have been built and installed in collaboration with the local environmental NGO Kittilän luonto, supporting birdlife across the site.
• Long-Term Turfgrass Winter Survival Trials The club has tested different grass species over many years to optimise winter survival in boreal conditions. Poa supina and Festuca trichophylla are used on greens, and Poa supina/Poa annua on fairways.
• Irrigation via Ski Resort Abstraction System Irrigation water is obtained from the adjacent ski resort’s permitted abstraction system from the Ounasjoki River, and water consumption is reported to the supplier.
• Hydroelectric Energy Procurement The club purchases hydroelectricity from its energy provider, sourcing its grid electricity from renewable hydropower.
• Free-to-All Multi-Golf Par 3 Course The par 3 course operates as a free-to-all multi-golf facility combining frisbee golf, football golf and park golf, widening access beyond traditional golf.
• Shared Clubhouse and Winter Land Use The clubhouse/restaurant is used by the ski resort during winter, and the driving range doubles as a winter parking lot, demonstrating seasonal shared infrastructure.

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“Levi Golf & Country Club proves that with dedication and expertise, a golf course can successfully co-exist with nature in demanding circumstances. The course is carefully managed with respect for the boreal environment, and winter survival of the playing surfaces is optimised through continuously testing different grass species. The Club is closely integrated with the local community by, for example, sharing the clubhouse/restaurant with the ski resort, providing outdoor sports opportunities to the public and running a successful junior golf programme. I look forward to seeing the results of an updated nature and habitat survey and a communication plan to inform golfers and other stakeholders about the environmental work, and to encourage them to take part in the sustainability activities.”

Pentti Viluksela (GEO accredited independent verifier)