The 2010 Ryder Cup promises to be one of the most environmentally friendly in the competition’s history after waste management company GD Environmental Services was contracted to minimise the event’s carbon footprint and maximise recycling.
GD Environmental is based in Newport, Wales where Colin Montgomerie’s European Team will take on Corey Pavin’s United States side over The Twenty Ten Course at The Celtic Manor Resort from October 1- 3 next year. The company is the leading provider of waste management and environmental services across Wales and the West Country, and is one of the fastest growing businesses in Europe.
Through its modern waste sorting and recycling station GD Environmental strives to recycling over 90 per cent of all waste materials, delivering utilising modern skips, rationalised vehicle use and a state of the art waste transfer and recycling station. GD’s ethos goes hand in hand with Ryder Cup organisers’ detailed strategy to ensure minimal impact on the environment, with plans for “a solid core of good environmental practice” and strict procurement policies already in place.
All packaging for the service of food will be biodegradable, and food waste and biodegradable food packaging, crockery and cutlery will be separated for composting. All paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, wood, metal, cabling, fabric and aluminium will be separated either on site or through sifting at a depot for re-processing into recycled products and materials, while non-recyclable materials such as polystyrene will be banned altogether from the site.
Tea, coffee, sugar and hot chocolate will be Fair Trade produce and, where possible, local suppliers will be used. Suppliers are being asked to look back down their supply chain to find ways to cut out wasteful resource consumption, and to avoid bringing materials on site that are not essential to the running of a high quality event.
Edward Kitson, Ryder Cup Match Director, said: “From the start, we have encouraged all our contractors and suppliers to play their part in this green drive. Ryder Cup Europe is very much aware of our environmental responsibilities, and also the opportunities the event has to showcase more sustainable ways of doing things to spectators. We are delighted to team up with GD Environmental and their expertise in waste management to add real value to the event, which we are sure spectators will appreciate.
“Even more satisfying is the knowledge that The Ryder Cup will actually support more local jobs as a result of this action, as materials are re-processed for recycling and subsequently turned into new products with recycled content. A huge multiplier from one set of policy decisions, delivered in partnership with a progressive local company.”
GD Environmental’s Director, James Norvill, added: “The Ryder Cup is one of the greatest and most exciting events on the sporting calendar and we are delighted to be part of it next year. The specialist expertise and modern technologies we will bring will ensure highly efficient waste management and minimal environmental impact.
“GD offers an unrivalled high quality service and I’m sure we and The Ryder Cup will form a formidable partnership.”
Partners in The Ryder Cup Environmental Programme, the Golf Environment Organisation, were delighted to see planning becoming reality. Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Smith, said: “A number of organisations, such as the Wales Event Recycling Project have collaborated to identify ways to drive down the events environmental footprint, whilst driving up its social and environmental multiplier and legacy.
“We knew the waste management contract was one of the most significant to get right and we are pleased that the minimum target of 90% will be met, and possibly exceeded. Credit goes to Ryder Cup Europe for recognising the value of this approach, and to the event suppliers for embracing the concept and helping to deliver a more sustainable event.”
Dr Simon Bilsborough from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Sustainable Development Branch, said: “Intelligent and effective waste management will clearly be an important part of ensuring that next year’s event has minimal impact on the environment and it is good to see a local Welsh company taking a central role in this vital work.”
GD Environmental www.gd-environmental.co.uk