Carbon Reduction
In January 2009 we commissioned envision to produce a report of our carbon footprint and to suggest ways of reduction. The report showed that at that time our carbon footprint was 84.98 tonnes. Envision's suggestions for carbon reduction reduced this figure by 40%. However, we have set ourselves a target to be below 20 tonnes by 2014.
The first steps were implemented in June 2009 with the rain water harvesting supplying our water needs for flushing the toilets, washing the range balls and washing the golf course equipment. The next stage was to change all the light bulbs, fit motion sensors and light timers to everywhere possible. Next was to fit electronic timers to the hot water system, drinks fridges and shoe cleaning compressor.
Next we focused on our water quality to help us become compliant with the new ground water regulations of April 2010. This involved us changing all of our cleaning products in the clubhouse to environmentally friendly replacements, this had an immediate affect in improving the discharge water from the septic tank. We then built our own environmentally friendly wash-pad for cleaning the golf course equipment and containing the water, allowing us to reuse it.
Biodiesel was initially a disaster as we tried to use 100% biodiesel when the recommended rate is 20%, however, new technology is enabling us to consider electric equipment that also reduces our hydraulic oil consumption.
We considered purchasing renewable electricity as at the time it looked an easy way to reduce 54% of our carbon production in an easy way. We have now found that the suppliers of renewable electricity are using this to reduce their own carbon footprint which meant that double counting was occurring. We are now considering installing photovoltaic panels on our workshop roof to supply us with renewable electricity.