Find our more about the Sustainability initiatives at this year's championship
FREE DRINKING WATER STATIONS
We are aiming to reduce the amount of plastic bottles consumed at our event and we encourage spectators to bring their own water bottles which can be re-filled throughout the day at our water stations, located in the main village and 10th hole catering areas.
All staff on-site as well as our Marshals and Volunteers have been encouraged to use their own water bottles throughout the event set up, staging and de-rig periods. Where it is not possible to use water stations, canned water will be used as aluminium is easier to recycle than plastic.
ENERGY
HVO fuel – generators on site will be powered by HVO fuel. HVO stands for hydrotreated vegetable oil, alternatively known as renewable diesel. HVO fuel is a fossil-free alternative to regular mineral diesel and results in up to a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
TRANSPORT
We are running a Park & Ride service using buses which are accessible for all users, and encouraging visitors to Park & Walk. We are also providing bicycle parking on site and creating signage marking out “steps taken” to various parts of the course to help visitors reach their daily exercise targets. Points of natural interest on the course will also be signposted.
CATERING
Our catering suppliers are committed to reducing the environmental footprint of the event and are working on the following initiatives:
- Using locally sourced ingredients to lower the carbon footprint and support the local economy
- Supplying compostable packaging, eating utensils and hand towels
- Updating procurement systems to ensure that food wastage is kept to the absolute minimum
- A compostable waste system in the back of house catering area
WASTE MANAGEMENT & CLEANING
ISPS Handa Senior Open we aim to send zero waste to landfill. We are providing separate bins all around the site to help us sort between the different types of rubbish, including general waste, recycling and compostable waste, which can then be sent on for appropriate recycling. Behind the scenes we are asking all our suppliers to build using sustainable materials and we are making sure these are sent for recycling or re-purposing after the event is over. For example, wood and carpet that is used in our temporary constructions will be gifted to a local charities after the event. We are also aiming to reduce the amount of netting which is used, replacing it with cladding which is much easier to recycle.
All our accreditation passes which are issued to staff, contractors, volunteers and Marshals can be collected at the close of the event and recycled for future tournaments.
Our clean contractor aims to provide a green, sustainable service using the following initiatives:
- 100% bleach free cleaning
- 95% of cleaning products use are GreenTick-certified
- Reduction of plastic wate by using concentrated chemical systems and refillable containers.
- Use of battery powered mops, which reduces water use by 75% and energy by 90%.
BUSES & TRANSPORT
We are encouraging spectators to use public transport, walk or cycle to the event site where possible. Bike racks will be set up near to the Welcome Tent.
SUNNINGDALE GOLF CLUB INITIATIVES
At Sunningdale we are surrounded by one of the most ecologically rich and scenic landscapes in the country. While it is best known for its two beautiful golf courses, there’s much more happening than just golf.
Our 36-hole course spans around 250 hectares, but you might be surprised to learn that only about 48 hectares are actively maintained through mowing, irrigation, or fertilisation. The rest is largely left wild—providing a safe haven for wildlife and linking seamlessly with the surrounding natural areas.
To the south of the course, the land blends into a heathland reserve that has been managed for decades by our Greenkeeping team, the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC), and Nature Conservation Services. This landscape includes dry heath, sandy clearings, boggy patches, and wet valleys—ideal conditions for diverse plant life, including bell heather, bog asphodel, and purple moor grass.
Sunningdale is one of the few places in the UK where you can find all six of the country’s native reptile species: adder, grass snake, slow worm, common lizard, and—thanks to successful reintroduction efforts—sand lizard and smooth snake. It is also home to a collection of rare birds. Dartford warblers, stonechats, and nightjars all call this area home, and you might catch sight—or sound—of them while out on the heath.
RETHINKING THE GREENKEEPING COMPOUND
One of the ways the Club is putting its sustainability values into action is by transforming the greenkeeping compound. What was previously just a place to store equipment is now evolving into an environmentally friendly space that blends into the landscape and supports local wildlife.
This includes:
- Solar panels to help power the facility
- Electric mowers and tools to reduce noise and emissions
- Wildlife-friendly features such as bug hotels, bat boxes, hives, and hibernacula (special shelters for amphibians and reptiles)
The idea is simple: care for the course in a way that also cares for the environment.
WATER USE
With hotter, drier summers becoming more common, water conservation has become a key focus. In 2021 and 2022, the Club upgraded its irrigation system to one that’s far more precise—delivering water only where and when it’s needed. This change alone has helped reduce water usage by around 30%.
The Club also use moisture meters and wetting agents to monitor and manage soil moisture levels effectively. This allows the Club to retain water in the soil for longer and avoid over-irrigation, which is not environmentally sustainable. By carefully controlling water use, the Club is not only conserving natural resources in response to a changing climate but also maintaining the firm and fast playing conditions essential to a true heathland golf course.
WORKING WITH EXPERTS
Sunningdale collaborates closely with organisations such as Surrey Wildlife Trust, ARC, and Natural England to help protect and enhance the habitats around the course. Their expertise guides the Club in making informed decisions that benefit the land, the wildlife, and the wider environment.
Sunningdale is a GEO Certified® club —an internationally recognised mark of sustainability in golf. This certification means the course is managed in a way that protects nature, uses resources responsibly, and supports the local community. From enhancing biodiversity and conserving water to reducing waste and engaging with local groups, every aspect of the operation is shaped by environmental and social responsibility. The certification is independently verified, so visitors can be confident that visiting here supports a Club that truly cares about the planet and its people.
GOING FORWARD
The DP World Tour is committed to staging greener, more sustainable events around the world, embracing initiatives which reduce our carbon footprint and working with our partners and suppliers to improve our output. For more information click here: https://www.europeantour.com/golf-for-good/
