A Review of the 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive

The Ryder Cup A Review of engages, inspires and entertains millions, The 2010 Ryder Cup presenting an unparalleled opportunity to Green Drive showcase leadership in sustainability.

This review summarizes The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive, key lessons learned and outcomes achieved. Contents

Foreword ...... 3 Introduction ...... 5 Aims & Objectives ...... 6 The 2010 Green Drive ...... 7 Venue ...... 8 Staging ...... 10 Communications ...... 14 Legacy ...... 16 Meeting Our Targets ...... 19 Lessons Learned ...... 21 Conclusion ...... 24

THE GOLF ENVIRONMENT ORGANIZATION is an international non-profit dedicated to helping the global golf industry establish leadership in environmental enhancement and corporate responsibility. Find out more at www.golfenvironment.org Foreword

THE EMPHASIS have helped us navigate and deliver LIKE MANY of on environmental against a complex range of issues. In our international sustainability addition we thank the many partners partners in golf, The has been part of who contributed - not only to the PGA of America a continuum of tremendous success of The 2010 Ryder recognises both effort by Ryder Cup, but to a significant reduction in the responsibilities Cup Europe since we held the event at its environmental footprint - enabling and opportunities that are inherent in Valderrama in 1997. The Ryder Cup to take a position of environmental stewardship. environmental leadership in sport. The 2010 event brought us to Wales, The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive where the Welsh Assembly Government While we continue to deliver aspects demonstrated how those running large had established a number of world of social, economic and environmental sporting events can deliver against leading sustainable development legacy in Wales, we also look forward to priority issues - such as the efficient use policies. We wanted to proactively working with new partners for an even of fuel and energy, and waste reduction - meet, and where possible exceed those more sustainable event at Gleneagles in a very practical and productive way. government and public expectations. in Scotland in 2014, and to working To Ryder Cup Europe’s credit, these with the host nation for 2018, who will This led us to expand the scope and goals were integrated seamlessly into themselves have presented against depth of our efforts, seeking to integrate the considerable logistical challenges of environmental criteria during their sustainability criteria into all aspects of event delivery. candidacy and selection. event staging. Richard Hills We acknowledge the work of the Director, Ryder Cup Europe Golf Environment Organization, who

GEO | Golf Environment Organization | 3 The outcome was a wonderful sporting occasion that generated a diverse range of tangible environmental gains, which benefit all those associated with the Ryder Cup brand.

Our congratulations to all the parties that contributed to this important initiative, and our gratitude to Ryder Cup Europe for the way experiences have been shared.

We look forward to embracing the challenges and rewards that lie ahead as we too seek to reduce the environmental footprint, and simultaneously raise the environmental advocacy potential, of the US based Ryder Cup matches.

Joe Steranka Chief Executive, PGA of America

4 | The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive Introduction

COMMENCING IN EARLY 2008 A key focus was to proactively deliver The 2010 Ryder Cup Ryder Cup Europe (RCE) and the the event in line with “One Wales - Green Drive was a Golf Environment Organization (GEO) One Planet”, the Welsh Assembly collaborative effort, led by partnered to integrate resource efficiency, Government’s world leading sustainable environmental protection and advocacy development scheme. This government Ryder Cup Europe and into the planning and delivery of policy context was the foundation for GEO, drawing support The 2010 Ryder Cup. the initiative, and enabled all parties from local to international to commit to the delivery of a world stakeholders class sporting event with the smallest possible environmental footprint and the Green Drive Working Group highest possible communication and advocacy value. Ryder Cup Europe Golf Environment Organization This report provides an overview of Ryder Cup Wales the purpose, scope, activities and Celtic Manor Resort achievements of the Green Drive, and Welsh Assembly Government should be read in conjunction with “The Newport City Council 2010 Ryder Cup Carbon Footprint Wales Event Recycling Project Report”, as prepared by Greenstone Greenstone Carbon Management Carbon Management and published in VisitWales March 2011.

GEO | Golf Environment Organization | 5 Aims & Objectives

A world class event with Showcase sustainability Encourage a legacy of Advance the global the lightest possible to event patrons & the environmental action sport & environment footprint local community in golf movement

Reduce the carbon footprint of Increase spectator awareness Raise sustainabiility standards Learn from the successes the event by 15-25% and involvement in solutions in golf event staging and challenges of other major sporting events Zero waste target and reduce Incentivise use of shared, Promote sustainability to local deliveries to the site public transport and international industry Share Green Drive outcomes audiences with the international sport Ecological protection and Raise awareness of environment community enhancement of Usk Valley sustainability actions among Development of sustainable local people golf event staging toolkit Transition to cleaner and renewable energy supplies

6 | The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive TOP LEVEL BUY-IN from the host venue, host government and event administrators provided the mandate for RC2010 partners to innovate The 2010 Green Drive around a greener event.

GEO coordinated the Green Drive Steering Group, to ensure the PLANNING supported by good Ongoing sustainability actions at scope of the sustainability plan was communications is critical to achieving a Venue The Celtic Manor Resort comprehensive, whilst remaining greener event. The effective engagement Short term event overlay, practical and relevant to stakeholders. of a wide range of partners and Staging infrastructure, materials, contributors requires tight core planning, products and services PICTURED L TO R: Sir Terry Mathews, and the establishment of clear scope and Celtic Manor Resort; The Rt. Hon. Harnessing media and spectator targets. To enable diverse stakeholders Rhodri Morgan, former First Minister Comms interest to raise sustainability to recognise the primary focus of their awareness of Wales; George O’Grady, CEO, contributions, the Green Drive was European Tour; Richard Hills, Director, structured around four core components Initiating local, national and Ryder Cup Europe; Sandy Jones, Legacy international sustainability action of the event: Chief Executive, PGA of GB&I

GEO | Golf Environment Organization | 7 Venue

THE FOUNDATION for a sustainable tournament is the event venue. The Green Drive supported Celtic Manor Resort in their progress to level 4 of the Green Dragon Environmental Awards; inspired the resort’s enrolment in GEO’s OnCourse™ programme; and led to an overall expansion in the breadth and depth of the site’s environmental management programme.

Level 4 Recognition in the Green Dragon Awards, the Welsh Environmental Management System

New maintenance facility constructed, complete with state of art pollution prevention and closed loop water recycling unit

Grid power supply transitioned to renewable tariff; electricity entirely generated by wind, wave and solar

8 | The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive Participation in GEO OnCourse™ environmental certification programme low energy and LED light fitments installed across Celtic Manor Resort in three years leading to The 2010 Ryder Cup Extensive ecological, landscape 6000 and cultural heritage surveys were undertaken while the site was being All irrigation water is derived from Detailed woodland management prepared for the event. Archeological recycled surface runoff and attenuation plan developed for the CMR Estate, surveys in particular brought in flood plain ponds and wetlands underpinned by policies on native considerable ‘new knowledge’ on The species, structural diversity and 13% reduction in TwentyTen Clubhouse Romans in Great Britain ecological richness energy use one year after installation of An extensive dormouse relocation voltage optimizer Ongoing consultation for protection and monitoring programme has been and enhancement of River Usk corridor, implemented with practical measures have adopted to reduce disturbance and minimize hectares of rough grassland and scrub habitat established across the all pollution risk from golf course floodplain of the Usk Valley, in conjunction with TwentyTen Course maintenance activities 20 remodelling CMR attained sector leading rates of recycling for glass, aluminium, plastic, 150 tonnes of food waste composted CMR carry out regular water quality paper and cardboard, food waste, between March ‘09 and October ‘10 analysis, which enables monitoring of green waste and other materials the health of the aquatic environment

GEO | Golf Environment Organization | 9 Staging

IN A CONCERTED EFFORT to reduce bringing resource efficiencies and cleaner the environmental footprint of the event, fuels to the fore. Ryder Cup Europe brought sustainability The tented village was powered by into the heart of product and service generators that used recycled vegetable oil, procurement. All contractors were asked all paper was Forest Stewardship Council about their own sustainability policies certified and a number of merchandise and and track records, and an emphasis was official publications and packages utilized placed on sourcing locally, ethically and recycled and recyclable cardboard. on the basis of life cycle analysis. All of these efforts have been quantified Local, organic and Fairtrade food by Greenstone Carbon Management, and produce was incorporated into who’s official carbon footprint report was the Taste of Wales menu, and a 87% also published in March 2011. recycling rate was achieved through well planned front and back of house Fuel supply for entire site supplemented with 20% recycled waste separation and sorting. Environmental targets were vegetable oil - powering the generators embraced by contractors, As the tented village was constructed, in the main tented village and contractors and suppliers started to suppliers and licensee Fish and shellfish products were bring products and services from across holders - broadening delivery sourced from the region, including Wales, the UK and beyond, innovative hand dived scallops, line caught sea and finding innovative ways to measures were implemented across bass and locally farmed mussels lighten the staging footprint energy, transport, catering and waste,

10 | The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive Bread and other bakery products came of wood, metal, glass, paper, cardboard, plastic, cabling, from Jones’ Organic Bakery in Bridgend fabrics, food waste, packaging and other staging materials 87% re-used or recycled In line with Wales’ status as a FairTrade Nation, the caterers ensured all available Fairtrade products were integrated into All on site power generators were All lamb sourced from the Cambrian the supply lines - circa 12 product types specially calibrated, using new Mountains Initiative - a cooperative of All contractors obliged to record technology distributors to ensure farmers dedicated to conservation of and provide data for the Carbon consistent and most efficient provision the local environment, the highest levels Footprint Report of voltage of animal husbandry and eco-tourism

BMW ‘Efficient Dynamics’ courtesy cars estimated reduction in traditional plastic pint glasses, circa were best in class for emissions and 60,000 units. The Ryder Cup souvenir Eco-Cup was a recycled fuel efficiency 33% and recyclable plastic pint glass purchased via a deposit scheme. Event patrons were encouraged to re-use on site and take home Rationalised and shared catering logistics, utlizing a central storage hub All honey was sourced locally from a Siting of tented village, grandstands, at Castle Howard, reduced catering family run, organic honey producer, catering points and general infrastructure related deliveries to site by 66% with revenues being invested back into was carefully planned to avoid most research into the decline of the honey bee sensitive areas of the site

Dairy products were provided by Rachel’s Organics, through their Welsh Manufacturing and Distribution Centre

GEO | Golf Environment Organization | 11 Siting of tented village, grandstands, The caterers used starch based catering points and general biodegradable packaging, crockery and infrastructure was carefully planned to cutlery across all public catering areas, avoid most sensitive areas of the site and adopted a ‘no polystyrene’ policy

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified paper 100% products

Provision of additional ‘Ryder Cup Trains’ from London to Newport

Carbon offset mechanism established and promoted to all parties including ticket holders, contractors and suppliers

PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe offset the flights of teams and entourage using Gold Standard carbon offset mechanism

12 | The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive The tented village was powered by generators that used recycled vegetable oil, a first for a golf event of Ryder Cup scale and profile.

GEO | Golf Environment Organization | 13 Communications

THE 2010 RYDER CUP sought to raise A number of environmental vignettes were widespread awareness about also produced, that were played during the sustainability issues as they relate to golf week of the event across the Tournament and sporting events, and actively engage Television - into all hospitality units and spectators in reducing the footprint of across the tented village big screen. the event. Environment section on rydercup.com A number of traditional and innovative Prominent ‘recycling point’ signage was communications measures were positioned throughout the tented village adopted, that ranged from the and car parks incorporation of environmental Official Radio packaging and ticket messaging into the events core wallets produced from recycled branding, through official programme materials; carried recycling messages and spectator guides, to ticket holder The official programme and spectator enewsletters and via on site signage. guide both carried in depth features on the Green Drive

Green Drive vignettes produced - broadcast on Ryder Cup Tournament TV, 5 international feed, official and partner websites, and European Tour Weekly

14 | The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive VisitWales integrated environmental messaging into the core look and feel of the event, particularly prominent on the advertising within the park and ride bus fleet Articles and news in various Welsh The Environment Minister of the Welsh Regular press releases announcing media outlets, including TV, newspapers Assembly Government attended the landmarks and milestones and websites official ‘Green Drive Reception’, which facilitated information sharing and momentum building amongst partners

On site, Fairtrade, recycling and FSC logos were prominent on products and packaging

Spectator Carbon Offset mechanism promoted to all ticket holders with car sharing and public transport options

Feature article in National Geographic and Green Drive coverage in domestic and international media

GEO | Golf Environment Organization | 15 Legacy

AS A PIONEERING environmental programme for a golf event, The Green Drive produced a great deal of new knowledge and insight. All parties wanted to ensure that lessons learned, and the momentum and inspiration produced by a greener Ryder Cup would act as a catalyst for environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility in world golf. Equally, partners wanted to find ways in which practical outcomes arising from the initiative would support more sustainable lifestyles and livelihoods in society and business in Wales.

Ensuring the multiplier effect of Ryder Cup achievements across Wales and internationally

16 | The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive Of particular importance in this regard was the desire to demonstrate how good of Welsh golf clubs attended Welsh Golf Union seminars to learn about the Green Drive, and how to take practical steps government policy (One Wales - One 65% towards managing their own businesses more sustainably Planet Sustainable Development Scheme) could be integrated into a wide variety of event logistics, business front of the people of Wales and in front of partners, by GEO, Ryder Cup Europe, investment and public relations activities. golf sector stakeholders. The PGA European Tour and The PGA The multi-faceted nature of this sporting The Green Drive Report and Carbon of America event provided a vehicle to showcase a Footprint will be promoted across Interfacing regularly with local to number of diverse issues and actions - in international golfing and sporting event international partners, including meetings and presentations at UNEP Sport and Environment Forum; the Legacy Aims for The 2010 Ryder Cup SportAccord Convention; London and Vancouver Olympic Games Organising The active engagement of partners An official carbon footprint, providing Committees; the IOC technical institute - in delivering the initiative and a methodology for reducing and - AISTS; the Hay Festival of Literature promoting activities and achievements reporting on sustainability initiatives and the Arts; through the WAG The production of new international at other golf events Sustainable Development Division; Guidelines for Sustainable Golf Events A demonstration of how global GEO have already compiled a practical sporting events can contribute directly The integration of new sustainability toolkit for greening golf events, which to the delivery of government criteria into the selection process for includes the strategic event planning sustainability policies and objectives the 2018 Ryder Cup guidance, procurement policies, best

GEO | Golf Environment Organization | 17 practice checklists, data sheets and communications plans that were Welsh Legacy Delivery produced for Ryder Cup 2010. The aim is that these will be designed, published and promoted by GEO and partners from mid 2011. During early 2010, GEO produced a suite of sustainability selection criteria for candidature and selection of future Legacy Outcomes Shared Internationally With Ryder Cup countries and venues. The nations bidding for the 2018 Ryder Cup have already reported back against these criteria as part of their candidate submissions.

18 | The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive Meeting Our Targets

THE STEERING GROUP set challenging but realistic strategic Some waste streams could not be recycled or reused, e.g. carpets and cloth linings in the hospitality and catering pavilions. This is a recurring goals, which required the support Zero waste issue for many sporting events and an alternative approach / material and commitment of multiple event partners, suppliers and contractors. is required. Overall, we achieved a re-use and re-cycling rate of 87%, which covered set up, staging and take down. Here’s how we performed...

Additional trains were provided from London to Newport, combined with significant new investment in Newport Station. Spectators Maximise the arriving by train, and all large staff groups were shuttled in to the use of shared, venue by coach. Efficient park and ride provision significantly reduced public transport car idling times. There were some limiting factors on rail travel - the most significant being the capacity of the main line into Newport.

We found that the suppliers of the bulkiest materials - tentage, grandstands, furniture and fittings were already extremely efficient in Air travel represents by far their delivery systems - with well planned logistical and operational Reduce the the largest component of procedures. The biggest scope for reduced delivery to site was in number of the customised logistics for food and catering supplies. The two an international golf event’s deliveries to lead catering contractors worked together to establish a centralised environmental impact, and site by 10-15% delivery point, from which all joint catering deliveries were made. represents a clear focus This led to an estimated 33% reduction in catering related vehicle area for the future. journeys.

GEO | Golf Environment Organization | 19 The entire event, from staging to take down, was delivered without incidence of pollution to water or soil on the site. Indeed the organisers care and attention to site protection Ensure no was the catalyst for a number of new investments to reduce deterioration of pollution risk. These included the installation of a new ‘closed- environmental loop’ washwater recycling unit at the golf course maintenance quality facility; ‘do and don’t’ guidance for suppliers and contractors; and the use of ‘cordons sanitaire’ along significant ecological hot spots such as the River Usk.

Transition Beyond the raft of energy efficiency measures undertaken, to cleaner, the most significant measures to transition energy supplies renewable were: the transition of Celtic Manor Resort’s energy supply to energy supplies a green tariff, the use of recycled vegetable oil to power the for powering main tented village area. the event

20 | The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive In an effort to engage spectators we combined a range of traditional and more innovative Make spectators aware of approaches. We used websites, e-newsletters, print media and on site signage, combined sustainability issues and with video and advertising vignettes that were played through the tournament TV network - involve them in contributing into hospitality units and on big screens. Spectators were interviewed about green matters to the solutions as part of official spectator and ticket holder surveys.

GEO | Golf Environment Organization | 21 As a wrapper for all efforts to reduce the resource consumption and non renewable energy use of the event, the independently commissioned carbon footprint has presented the following figures:

Business As Usual Estimate - 38, 596 tCO2e Reduce the Actual Ryder Cup 2010 footprint - 27,411 tCO2e overall carbon footprint of This represents a 31% reduction of footprint as the event by measured against the business as usual reference. between 15-20% Both sets of figures take into account the extra day’s play that was required due to bad weather.

These figures also take into account spectator travel, which accounted for 96.2% (BAU estimate) and 95.4% (Actual) of total carbon emissions.

Business As Usual 38,596 tCO2e Estimate

Actual Ryder Cup 2010 footprint 27,411 tCO2e

22 | The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive Lessons Learned

Leadership A clear vision, accompanied by a tight framework for delivery, can empower The desire to stage a more sustainable many delivery partners. For the Green event has to come from the top of the Drive it was clear that many of those decision making hierarchy - most delivery partners were ready, willing and importantly from the organisation that able to play their part. owns the event, but also ideally from the executives of significant partners, Collective Planning including governments, sponsors and contractors. Of course this leadership has Collective strategic planning is critical, but to be met with commitment and buy-in it has to be efficient. A Sustainability from project managers and those Steering Group is the starting point. A coordinating delivery on the ground. group of the most relevant and influential bodies, well coordinated and working to The 2010 Green Drive highlighted that the clearly established scope, aims and stronger and more visible the leading objectives will ensure the plan is sustainability commitment is, and the The Ryder Cup presents a comprehensive, credible and yet remains earlier it comes, the more quickly the huge exercise in logistics and practical, relevant and outcomes focussed. expectation for partner contribution can project management, across be established. In this way, strong Partners need to allocate resources to multiple and diverse people leadership helps to spread the load enable expert coordinators and and organisations. across all stakeholders. experienced technicians to make plans,

GEO | Golf Environment Organization | 23 consult and present to stakeholders - to Sustainability needs to be communicated Media Engagement ensure that vital strategic to operational to all contractors and suppliers at the very The more that event owners, such as RCE, connections are made quickly and earliest opportunity - to give them time to can empower others to deliver on the effectively. frame their own contributions as part of the technical aspects of sustainability, the more tendering exercise. This enables a large Lead in times are shorter than they feel. The they are released to play perhaps their number of companies to adapt proposals 24 month lead in to an event of this size most significant role - partnership building so that they contribute towards, rather than passes very quickly. Frameworks of agreed and communications. With the global against, a lighter footprint event. aims, objectives, priorities and practical media bringing visibility to the event, a deliverables need to be in place at least 24 focus on environmental communications is Practicality months out from the event, allowing incredibly valuable to society as a whole, partners to define macro scale outcomes Any initiative to green a golf event has to and of course in driving the profile of the well in advance, and leaving time to react to quickly find practical, relevant and realistic events partners. Sustainability and realise the multitude of small scale, late ways to integrate sustainability into communications is technically complex and stage opportunities, which are identified in complex decision making and to be done well needs creative flair the last few months before the event. implementation. Too much strategic combined with good grasp of the subject planning discussion can result in loss of The period immediately following the matter. There is a fine, often invisible, line interest and engagement with those that award of contracts is incredibly dynamic between inspiring environmental actually deliver the fabric of the event. as the details of delivery are put together communications and green-wash. Done and as new and often unforeseen well, and events like the Ryder cup can be challenges and opportunities arise. highly prized for engaging a wide cross section of audiences with important messages presented with style.

24 | The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive Sponsor Engagement Event Venues

Putting sustainability on the events The social and environmental performance agenda, and presenting it well, is likely to of golf tournament venues is a hugely receive strong support from existing and important foundation for the overlay of potential sponsors - particularly the staging. Venues with good community ‘Corporate Responsibility’ minded relations, tangible examples of resource international corporations that support efficiency and demonstrable benefits to major golf events. Offering some landscapes, ecosystems and culture sustainability based assets, rights and provide a strong platform to build event benefits could be a significant value add sustainability around. Conversely, venues to traditional sponsorship packages. carrying legal disputes and legitimate negative profile on environmental, social and cultural grounds can set a tone of negativity and defensiveness around event staging and communications opportunities. Sustainable development of new venues, and credibly certified management of venue operation are fundamental pillars for showcasing sustainability around golf events. Conclusion

THE SPECTACLE of team competition between some of the world’s most talented golfers fronts an incredibly complex effort of event planning and logistics in a natural environment.

In this way global sporting events like The Ryder Cup present a unique opportunity to visibly connect world class sport with environmental and corporate responsibility.

The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive demonstrated that a carefully planned, scoped and implemented approach to sustainability is not only achievable - it can add real value to all those that administer, host, sponsor, supply, attend and even watch the event.

Jonathan Smith Chief Executive Golf Environment Organization

26 | The 2010 Ryder Cup Green Drive THE 2010 RYDER CUP as set out in our One Wales, Jane Davison showcased many aspects of One Planet strategy. We are Welsh Assembly Government the Welsh landscape and proud that one of the legacies Minister for Environment, culture in front of a global of the event will be heightened Sustainability and Housing audience. We are delighted that awareness and action in the event also contributed to sustainable sport and our world leading policies on sustainable events around the sustainable development, world in the future.