17 Feb 2022
The Grove awarded golf's international mark of sustainability
The Grove, Hertfordshire’s ultimate country escape, has been awarded GEO Certified® status, for commitment and efforts to achieve the credible international standard for sustainable golf course operation.
GEO Certification is assured by GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf – the not-for-profit organization dedicated to delivering programmes that help people on the ground to evaluate, improve and credibly communicate their sustainability work.
GEO Certified is the symbol of a great golf environment, confirming that the Troon-managed facility satisfies all the certification criteria; meeting a credible standard in the areas of nature, resources, climate and community, and is committed to continual improvement.
The Grove’s certification process was led by Golf Course and Estate Manager, Phillip Chiverton, Head Greenkeeper, Sam Reid, and Head Gardener, Natasha Geldenhuys.
The comprehensive Certification Report can be viewed here. It provides an account of the progress and continued commitment made to wider sustainability.
Brad Gould, Director of Golf at The Grove, commented: “We are very proud to receive GEO Certified and thank Phillip and Sam for leading this vitally important work. The Grove continues to show how an approach to fostering nature, conserving resources and strengthening the community is fundamental to running a profitable and highly respected golf facility.
“Achieving this international recognition underlines a truly exceptional team effort that encompasses many ongoing practical, social and environmental initiatives that are widespread across our golf operation and beyond.”
GEO Foundation’s Richard Allison, Manager of GEO Certified Facilities, added: “The Grove has demonstrated a comprehensive commitment to advancing sustainable golf on the site. There’s also an appetite to extend this beyond the course and grounds through its sustainable purchasing policy and elimination of single-use plastics. It’s fantastic to see such a cohesive sustainability strategy being implemented across all business areas. Congratulations to everyone involved in achieving GEO Certified status.”
GEO Certified is recognized by the ISEAL Alliance, a group of the world’s foremost credible certification systems including Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, Forest Stewardship Council, Marine Stewardship Council and many others.
The Grove’s Sustainable Golf Highlights:
Supporting its drive for increased sustainability across all facets of the business, The Grove continues to covet its position as a premium open-to-all leisure facility and one of the UK’s Top 100 golf resorts, just 18 miles from central London.
Learn more about just some of The Grove's Sustainable Golf Highlights