Page 40 - GBC Spring 2026 ENG

Sustainability to Profit
GEO Scorecard Area of Impact Savings New Revenue Comments
Less disease resistant turf Reduced Water $60,000 “$15,000 per year over 4 seasons”
Electrical turf equipment Reduce Fuel $7,000 Per year not including newer additions
Irrigation audit Reduced Water $40,000 One time with ingoing improvements
Protein trim – MNGC Burger Reduced food waste / new revenue $32,000 Projected to be annual
Water for the Win Reduced waste / new revenue $11,357 Over three seasons
Selling used kitchen oil Reduced waste / new revenue $3,543 Three year total
Harmony Honey Improved environment / new revenue $4,500 Annually (gross less jars and donation)
TOTAL IMPACT $107,000 $51,400 $158,400 Measurable impact
Note: Data drawn from internal presentation materials; not sourced from an official GEO report.
sourced locally, depending on seasonality. In 2026, we plan to launch a new
menu section highlighting local suppliers through a “100 Miles and In”
concept, celebrating local beef and produce from the local area. In addition
to food, we support various local spirit and craft beer suppliers.
In addition, our sister club, Springbank Links, operates a “Vertical
Modular Farm” that produces pesticide-free greens using hydroponic
technology. The farm walls sprout greens out of columns, such as kale,
Swiss chard, Thai basil, spinach, butter lettuce, and microgreens. The
modular farm grows around-the-clock with hydroponic lighting in a
contained environment for a daily harvest. These ingredients are
incorporated into our healthy menu options, supporting sustainability
while enhancing quality and freshness.
BEE THE BUZZ OF SWEETNESS
Sustainability also means supporting biodiversity and the ecosystems that
make our operations possible. In partnership with Syngenta Canada, we
established the Harmony Bee Club in collaboration with Kneehill Apiaries.
This initiative supports pollinator health while producing our own
“Harmony Honey”. To date, more than 300 jars have been produced and
sold at $15 each, generating approximately $4,500 in revenue.
Beyond the financial impact, the program has strengthened community
engagement and education around pollination and biodiversity.
MEASURING THE IMPACT OF SUSTAINABLE GOLF
While sustainability is often viewed through a long-term lens, its impact
can also be measured in real and meaningful ways today. The snapshot
above highlights select outcomes from MNGC’s participation in Sustainable
Golf in Canada through the GEO Foundation, illustrating how environmental
initiatives can translate into tangible operational savings and new revenue
opportunities.
The data reflects initiatives implemented through the GEO framework
and demonstrates measurable financial impact across water conservation,
energy efficiency, waste reduction and new revenue streams. While these
figures represent a snapshot in time, and in some cases multi-year outcomes,
they underscore how sustainability–focused decisions can deliver both
environmental and economic value.
Together, these efforts represent more than $158,000 in combined
savings and revenue, reinforcing that responsible environmental
stewardship and sound business strategy can, and should, go hand in hand.
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Golf Business Canada
LEADING THE WAY FORWARD
It is unlikely that regulatory and
environmental pressures will ease
in the near future. Rather than
reacting later, the opportunity lies
in leading now. Sustainable Golf in
Canada through the GEO
Foundation provides a practical,
credible framework to help clubs
strengthen operations, support
advocacy efforts through NGCOA
Canada and the CGSA, and
position themselves for long-term
success.
To those considering partici-
pation in the GEO Certification
Program, now is the time. To those
already on the journey, keep going.
You are closer than you think. For
more information, click on the QR
code or if you have any questions,
please reach out to me directly.
G Gol olf f
B Bu usi sin ness ess
Canad Canada a
Take the Sustainable
Golf Pledge today!