Tawast Golf & Country Club Oy

Notable Observations

• Restoring Lake and River Ecosystems As a supporting member of the Lake Katumajärvi protection association, the club contributes to water quality improvement projects. In 2026, log bundles were installed in the river to create habitat for nutrient-consuming micro-organisms, helping reduce eutrophication while enhancing biodiversity.
• Naturalising Out-of-Play Areas Maintenance has been reduced across non-essential areas, with many woodland areas between and beyond playing corridors left completely natural. Reduced mowing around the course perimeter has increased wildflower abundance and created additional habitat for pollinators and insects.
• Diverse Habitats for Wildlife The course features streams, ponds, wetlands, meadows and forests, supporting a wide range of wildlife. Bird surveys have recorded 42 nesting species, while nesting boxes, bug hotels, buffer zones and naturally vegetated ponds provide further habitat.
• Robotic Mowing Reduces Fossil Fuel Use Robotic mowers have been introduced as part of the maintenance operation, reducing fossil fuel consumption while maintaining playing quality. The club is also assessing solar panels linked to golf cart and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• Precision Irrigation from Lake Water The course has irrigated from nearby Lake Katumajärvi since opening, targeting only essential playing surfaces. Soil moisture is monitored using a TDR device, irrigation is tracked through pumping station data, and the system is maintained and adjusted throughout the season.
• Reducing Waste and Supporting Local Sourcing The club has reduced disposable cups, plastic drink bottles, printed scorecards and office paper. Procurement prioritises environmentally responsible products, while herbs for the restaurant are grown on site and many food ingredients are sourced locally.
• Supporting Local Conservation and Education The club works with the multi-stakeholder lake protection association on water quality monitoring and restoration projects, while welcoming local school pupils for physical education sessions that introduce young people to golf and the natural environment.
• Sustainability Through Everyday Engagement Environmental communication is integrated across the club through welcome signage, a dedicated sustainability webpage, member magazine articles, plant identification signs, on-course interpretation and social media, helping engage golfers and visitors with the club's ongoing sustainability work.

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“Tawast Golf successfully manages the parkland golf course, catering for nature and for golfers. Supporting the reduction of eutrophication of the lake and naturalising of out-of-play areas enhance biodiversity. Robotic mowers and electricity projects improve resourse efficiency. Environmental communication on different channels reach many golfers and stakeholders. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of the biodiversity and renwable energy projects and the increased sustainability information and engagement activities.”

Pentti Viluksela (GEO accredited independent verifier)