GEO Guidelines

Posted on Thursday, 22nd April 2010

During a Environment Session at the World Forum of Golf Architects in St Andrews, the Golf Environment Organization (GEO) debuted its draft Guidelines for Sustainable Golf Development.

Since the groundbreaking project commenced in 2009, GEO has been co-ordinating a team of experts in the creation of globally applicable guidelines that will enable the diverse stakeholders in golf development to achieve higher standards of social, economic and environmental return on investment.

As golf development around the world is increasingly influenced by the expectations of government and local communities, the golf design industry has recognised that it must take the initiative to foster mutual understanding between developers and regulators, and find common goals and solutions to social and environmental issues. GEO’s Development Guidelines will provide a basis for all parties to work constructively in maximising the shareholder and stakeholder potential of projects.

After the presentation Jonathan Smith of GEO commented: “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to present this project to such a large and knowledgeable audience, and we are buoyed by the positive feedback and encouragement we received. The combination of credible content and international partnership will represent a robust and valuable statement on behalf of golf architects worldwide - that they recognise and understand their unique opportunity to leave positive long-term social and environmental legacies."